In early 2023, the Amsterdam city council adopted new policies to bring tourism into better balance, focusing on regulating nuisance and spreading tourist activities beyond the city centre. For this reason, the City of Amsterdam asked Decisio to investigate the effects of limiting river cruise traffic in Amsterdam, as part of its strategy to manage overtourism. Amsterdam Cruise Port, which handles sea and river cruise operations in the city, and the Port of Amsterdam, responsible for managing and developing the port area, were also involved in the study.
Decline in passengers and hotel stays
In several reduction scenarios, Decisio assessed the effects on river cruising. Limiting the number of river cruise calls in Amsterdam leads to a decrease in passenger numbers and hotel stays. Under a full restriction, these disappear entirely, which has a significant impact on the tourism sector.
Lower tourist spending, but positive effects on the living environment
A reduction in river cruise passengers and vessels results in lower tourist spending in Amsterdam. The total economic contribution, including indirect effects, decreases by €126 million and more than 2,000 jobs under a full restriction. Limiting river cruise traffic has positive effects on the living environment. Fewer sailing kilometres and fewer coach movements lead to reduced emissions of CO₂, nitrogen and particulate matter, generating societal benefits of nearly €1 million per year. Noise pollution and traffic congestion also decrease.
More information
For more information, please contact Sibren Vegter (s.vegter@decisio.nl) or Gerwin van der Meulen (g.vandermeulen@decisio.nl). You can also reach us by phone at +31 (0)20 670 05 62.
