Amsterdam is softening its “stay away” message – but it still wants to deter rowdy visitors.
ADVERTISEMENTAmsterdam is desperately trying to shed its image as “party capital” – with limited success.
After its failed 2023 campaign urging drunken British tourists to “stay away”, the city is testing a gentler approach.
Hoping to attract “a different type of visitor,” according to a press release from local officials, the new “Renew Your View” campaign encourages tourists to see the city through the eyes of a local.
Addressing those who “seek sensation and vulgar entertainment” in the city's red light district and “coffee shops,” it promotes a different side of the city. cityfree of transgressive behavior and rowdy stag parties.
The Dutch capital also launched a pre-trip quiz for visitors, including drug-related questions, in the hope of deterring party tourists.
Amsterdam launches pre-travel rules quiz for tourists
Amsterdam has launched a website where those planning a vacation to the city can take a quiz about the purpose of their visit.
Called Amsterdam Ruleshe hopes to encourage party-loving visitors to reconsider their planned activities in the city.
If you accept answers such as wanting a guided tour of the sex workers' windows or pub crawlsthe site responds that these activities are now prohibited and suggests that the city is not the best destination for you.
Another question asks: “Which famous Dutch products would you like to try?” » and offers options of stroopwafels, poffertjes (mini pancakes), tulips, molly (slang for ecstasy) and cocaine.
If you choose one of the last two options, a message appears stating: “Purchasing drugs from street dealers is illegal. Street dealers sell fake medicines that are dangerous to your health. Buying drugs on the street can result in a fine.
However, if your answers show that your planned activities comply with Amsterdam rules, you are directed to the city's official tourist portal – Iamsterdam.
Get to know the real Amsterdammers
Painting the city as a place of “ideas, initiatives and inspiration”, AmsterdamThe “Renew Your View” campaign – which will run until the end of 2025 – features flowered bicycles, LGBTQ+ culture and green life.
He emphasizes the city's diversity of people and viewpoints, saying: “Amsterdam makes you see… how you can just be yourself, while still leaving room for others.” »
But if being you means drinking 10 beers, having high lost your mind and roaming the red light district, you are still not welcome.
The Stay Away campaign extended to other European countries
Amsterdam news Stay away The campaign was initially aimed at young British men when it was released in March this year.
The city is carrying the message until 2024 – and extending it to men aged 18 to 35 from EU countries as well as The Netherlands.
Since its launch, the campaign has been accompanied by measures aimed at curbing harmful behavior in the city center. These include a ban on smoking weed and an early closure of restaurants and food vendors in the red light district – rules that local officials intend to make clear in their ongoing messaging.
He also warns that a messy weekend in town, you risk a fine and a criminal record.
ADVERTISEMENTSo far this hasn't really discouraged tourists, but it has changed the country's image somewhat. city and made visitors aware of the rules, Mayor Femke Halsema said in a letter to the city council.
