Amsterdam increases tourist tax, becomes ‘highest in Europe’

Amsterdam, the Dutch capital and one of the most visited cities in Europe, will be levying an additional tax of €3 per tourist (about INR 232). This tax will be applicable on travellers on per night basis in hotels; this is on top of 7 per cent tax on room rates that the city already charges.
Read on if you are wondering what this new tax scheme means. Well, with this move, Amsterdam is likely to become the city charging the highest overnight tax in Europe, on an average!

Amsterdam was already suffering from over-tourism and recorded 18 million annual visitors last year while the number of residents in the city is about 867000. At the beginning of the year, the authorities dismantled Iamsterdam sign to keep tourists at bay and also to give them a clear message. The sign used to be a prominent selfie spot just outside the Rijksmuseum and was removed from the spot in December 2018.
Not only this, an announcement was made in March 2019, wherein the so-called disrespectful tours of the red light district got banned; the ban will come into effect from January 1, 2020. Apparently, the city is known for its red-light district and a majority of tourists visit it to explore the region. Now, the extra tax on tourists will join the league on New Year's Day (2020).

However, a spokesperson for Amsterdam city council has completely denied that the taxes were increased to discourage tourists from coming. In fact, he said that by raising taxes, they are making visitors contribute in keeping the city safe and clean. Also, this will help them in keeping public spaces such as bridges, pavements, and streets, in a proper state.

For your information, Amsterdam also charges an arrival tax of €8 (INR 619) for those, who arrive in the city by boat, and €0.66 (INR 51) for tourists opting a sightseeing boat or bus tour.