Amsterdam is banning the construction of new hotels as a way to combat over-tourism

Amsterdam in the Netherlands will no longer allow new hotel buildings to be built as part of its fight against mass tourism, the local government said on Wednesday, April 17th.

According to a decision by the Dutch authorities, a new hotel in Amsterdam can only be built if another hotel closes. Also, only when the number of accommodations will not increase. Another condition is that the new hotel will offer something better. For example, it will be more sustainable and ecological.

The new decision is another step in the Dutch's fight against over-tourism, after in recent years they tried to reduce the number of tourists – which reaches about 18 million a year – by reducing sex tourism in the red light district and restrictions on the use of cannabis on the street. Also, last year, the city council decided to ban cruise ships from entering its territory.