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<\/p>\nAmsterdam has put forward plans to raise its tourist tax to 20 per cent by the end of the decade in a blow to millions of British tourists.<\/p>\n
The Dutch capital currently charges visitors 12 per cent of their accommodation costs, making it already one of Europe’s most expensive destinations for overnight stays.<\/p>\n
But under a coalition agreement published this week by its executive board, that would climb to 16 per cent next year before rising by one percentage point each year until 2030.<\/p>\n
“Tourism contributes to the city’s economy, but at the same time places significant pressure on public spaces, quality of life and municipal facilities,” the document says.<\/p>\n
The coalition also wants to shut Amsterdam’s cruise port terminal, ending sea arrivals to the city entirely.<\/p>\n
Authorities would seek discussions with national Government and regional bodies about alternative arrangements.<\/p>\n
Transforming the city centre is also being proposed – with officials planning to systematically purchase buildings and buy out the businesses operating within them.<\/p>\n
Tourism to the city’s historic canals is also bracing for a tax raid.<\/p>\n
Amsterdam has put forward plans to raise its tourist tax to 20 per cent by the end of the decade<\/p>\n
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The entertainment levy, which applies to boat tours, canoes and other vessel rentals, may be increased to squeeze more cash from day visitors, who already pay a \u20ac15 (\u00a313) levy.<\/p>\n
Revenue from the higher tourist tax would fund efforts to make Amsterdam cleaner, safer and more pleasant for both residents and tourists, the board claims.<\/p>\n
But sex tourists are bracing for a major blow – a planned “Erotic Centre” in the Zuid district has been abandoned by the new coalition.<\/p>\n
The previous administration had proposed the facility to provide safer working conditions for sex workers while reducing criminal influence on prostitution and easing crowding in the Red Light District.<\/p>\n
![\"Amsterdam](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/amsterdam-red-light-district.jpg\")
Sex tourists are bracing for a major blow under a move designed to crack down on prostitution<\/p>\n
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Instead, the Government will pursue unspecified “small-scale initiatives” to relieve pressure on the city centre.<\/p>\n
The board will also push to slash funding to one of the city’s best-known tourist agencies.<\/p>\n
Funding for Amsterdam&Partners, the organisation behind the “I amsterdam” brand, will be reduced under the plans.<\/p>\n
The coalition made no mention of banning tourists from buying cannabis at “coffee shops”, a measure some local politicians had previously advocated.<\/p>\n
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Funding for Amsterdam&Partners, the organisation behind the ‘I amsterdam’ brand, will be reduced<\/p>\n
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The coalition agreement outlines ambitions for a “more balanced new visitor economy” built on cooperation between businesses, residents and knowledge institutions.<\/p>\n
The proposals will be debated on June 10, setting the board’s agenda for the coming four years.<\/p>\n
Any decisions made by the board must then receive approval from the City of Amsterdam council.<\/p>\n
The move is set to follow a number of pushes put in place to drive tourists away from the city<\/a> and smash its reputation as a party town.<\/p>\n