More overnight stays in Amsterdam again, but fewer visitors from outside Europe
Amsterdam expects 24.4 million overnight stays in 2026, driven by continuous growth despite a drop in visitors from outside Europe. To manage the pressure of mass tourism and address resident concerns, the city plans to increase the tourist tax to 20 percent by 2031.
Amsterdam saw 24 million overnight stays last year, with projections indicating a rise to 24.4 million by the end of 2026. Despite this growth, there has been a decline in visitors from outside Europe due to geopolitical instability and rising travel costs. While tourism in the capital remains robust, surrounding municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam are experiencing even faster growth in visitor numbers than the city center itself. Meanwhile, local sentiment remains negative, with 82 percent of residents reporting issues with tourism levels.
To manage the impact of mass tourism, the local government has announced plans to increase the tourist tax significantly, reaching 20 percent by 2031. This strategy aims to curb the rapid growth that has persisted despite earlier goals to limit visitor numbers. Employment in the tourism sector has recovered post-pandemic, though city officials are now advising businesses to reduce their reliance on tourists to ensure a more sustainable economic balance for the city.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
