In travel news for July 26, 2023 we talk about Amsterdam plans to move Cruise lines out of the city.
The city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, has long been a beloved destination for travelers worldwide. But, the city's latest move to shift its Cruise line terminal away from its heart might give some travelers something to think about.
Like many of Europe's enchanting cities, including Rome, Venice, and Paris, the Dutch capital is grappling with a surge in visitor numbers following the pandemic-induced lockdowns. The city council recently voted to move the Cruise terminal farther from its existing location near the central rail station. They are now figuring out how to put this plan into action.
The leader of the D66 party in Amsterdam shared that the municipal executive of Amsterdam is now going to work on how to implement it. So, for those who dreamt of stepping off a large Cruise ship right into the city center of Amsterdam, this might be a disappointment.
The director of Cruise Port Amsterdam, the organization operating the terminal, confirmed the decision and stated that the terminal is not closing immediately. They are waiting for the municipality's next move on the matter. The Amsterdam terminal expects 114 ships to stop there this year and 130 next year.
This drastic step a part of Amsterdam's strategy to lessen the impact of tourism. The city has taken several measures in the past, such as banning people from smoking weed in the narrow streets of its famous Red Light District and proposing to shift many of the windows where scantily-clad ladies stand out of the city center.
Earlier this year, Amsterdam even launched a campaign named "Stay Away" to fight against nuisance tourism. The message is clear - while visitors are welcome, those causing a ruckus are better off staying away.
The move to ban Cruise ships aligns more with the city's sustainable ambitions. The cruise ships sailing into Amsterdam are considered a polluting element, not matching with the city's eco-friendly goals. Moreover, these towering ships hinder the construction of a second bridge over the waterway, linking the city with its rapidly expanding northern suburbs.
But Cruise ships aren't the only mode of transport that Amsterdam is aiming to regulate. The national government is also planning to cut down the number of flights at Schiphol Airport, the bustling aviation hub that serves the city.
Amsterdam is striving for a balance between welcoming traveler and maintaining its quaint charm and sustainability goals. As responsible travelers, we must respect and support these measures. Always remember - we travel to enrich, not to exploit.