rssApr 4, 2026, 05:00

The battle against tourist shops: why the city center isn't changing

The municipality of Amsterdam is struggling to reduce the number of tourist-oriented shops in its city center, with research showing that 583 such businesses still exist despite years of restrictive policies. Residents remain frustrated by the retail monoculture of souvenir shops and fast-food outlets that has largely replaced local-focused businesses since the 1980s.

Politics Economy Business Culture Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Not just IDFA: Amsterdam’s wider cultural sector hit by rising hotel costs as tourist tax hike drives away key visitors

Amsterdam's cultural sector, including major events like IDFA, ADE, and the Holland Festival, is struggling due to rising tourist taxes and hotel VAT. These increased costs are forcing organizers to raise ticket prices and reduce programming, threatening the accessibility and quality of the city's cultural offerings.

Private landlords are renting out fewer properties in the city: "A problem for students"

Private rental properties in Amsterdam have decreased by 18 percent in three years as landlords sell their units due to new rent control laws and increased taxation. While this shift favors buyers, it creates a significant housing crisis for students and individuals who cannot afford to purchase property in the city.

No funding for Zuidasdok megaproject in new cabinet plans

The Dutch government has frozen funding for the northern part of the Zuidasdok project to prioritize the maintenance of existing national infrastructure. This decision delays one of the country's largest development projects, sparking concerns in Amsterdam over long-term economic and accessibility impacts.

Harry Styles concerts in Arena caused inflation in the Netherlands to rise

Economists from De Nederlandsche Bank have linked a series of ten concerts by Harry Styles in Amsterdam to a rise in Dutch inflation during May. The high demand from international fans led to a significant surge in hotel and ticket prices, marking an unusual impact on the national economy.

Housing, industry and nature: who gets the space along the North Sea Canal?

The Noordzeekanaal area is experiencing increasing pressure as industrial needs, new housing projects, and nature conservation compete for limited space. A new television series commemorates the canal's 150th anniversary by exploring how these different sectors coexist and evolve within the region.