Walking the canals Instead of dining out: tourists spending less in Amsterdam

Tourists are spending less and less money in Amsterdam. Tourists are checking prices more carefully and making selective choices; they no longer do “everything,” but, for example, choose either a museum visit or dining out.

Rising tourist taxes, higher wages, and inflation are driving up the overall cost of visiting Amsterdam. The Royal Dutch Hospitality Association (Koninklijke Horeca Nederland) says that when tourists feel unwelcome, it negatively affects how much they spend.

Walking along the canals is the most popular activity among tourists. Paid services such as boat tours, restaurants, and museums are more often skipped. “If it is too expensive, then I don’t do it,” one tourist told AT5. “We’re skipping the canal tour and going for a walk instead. Walking doesn’t cost anything, after all,” another said.

The impact is felt beyond the core tourism industry, affecting small businesses, retailers, and suppliers like bakers and butchers. Ramon van der Storm, chairman of the canal tour operators, notes that while his expenses are increasing, tourists are not spending more.

“My expenses have risen, wages and the tourist tax, but tourists’ budgets haven’t kept pace, so they’re choosing differently,” Van der Storm said. “The overall picture has become more expensive.”

Hotels are also noticing a drop in American guests because of the low dollar and global tensions. Additionally, tourists are tipping less. Robert-Jan Woltering, director of Hotel De l’Europe, describes the situation as a temporary decline but stays hopeful. Given Amsterdam’s reliance on tourism and its distinctive appeal, the sector anticipates the market will bounce back within a few years.

“Amsterdam is such a beautiful city that its future is always secure,” the director said.