Amsterdam announces strict new city rules to 'combat' UK tourists

A popular cruise destination will cut the number of river cruises in a bid to reduce visitor numbers. One of Europe's leading holiday destinations has confirmed plans to halve the number of river cruises in a bid to clampdown and crackdown on the number of UK tourists.

Amsterdam’s City Council said that the number of ships had almost doubled since 2011, increasing pollution and overcrowding in the Dutch capital. Around 500,000 river cruise passengers visit the city each year under current rules.

But this looks set to be halved to 250,000 in a crackdown. A statement from the city’s council said: “Amsterdam must be and remain liveable, for residents and visitors. That is why we take measures to combat overtourism.

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"We want to halve the number of river cruise ships in the city within five years to a maximum of 1,150 in 2028. Fewer river cruises means less crowds and more quality of life.” The council added: “River cruises contribute to the crowds and emissions in the city, with tourists, overnight stays, bus movements and supply traffic.

“River cruises remain part of the Amsterdam visitor economy. We focus on the most sustainable ships that have a connection for green shore power.” On its website, Viking promotes river cruises for UK tourists and holidaymakers to enjoy.

It says: "A city of charming canals, elegant gabled houses, splendid museums and abundant bicycles, the Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a delight to explore. Its patchwork of waterways forms about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. The legacy of the Dutch Golden Age lives on in gilded manses and in the lush paintings of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters that adorn the Rijksmuseum, The Netherlands’ grand repository of art and cultural history.

"Discovering Amsterdam is a pleasure best pursued on foot; visitors line the tranquil canals and linger over Dutch pancakes, or take a stroopwafel to go."