A European city has become the “dirtiest in the world” as locals complain it is being swamped by rubbish from tourists.
Authorities in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, claim they collected 73 tonnes of litter in just one day after the city’s Pride celebrations. And people living in the city claim it is being overrun by seagulls and rats from rubbish left by visitors.
Last year, the city was visited by around 20 million people, almost twice as many as destinations such as Venice. It has prompted a group of residents to write an open letter to the Het Parool newspaper branding litter the “number one annoyance for the umpteenth summer in a row”.
The letter, signed by 38 residents including local entrepreneurs, artists, and novelists, said: “We live in Amsterdam on a rubbish dump. The city has become one of the dirtiest in the world.”
Amsterdam, along with cities such as Prague, Venice and Barcelona is attempting to move away from mass tourism. It hopes to instead focus on smaller numbers of high-spending visitors who would stay longer.
Once renowned as a cultural destination with beautiful canals and museums filled with some of the finest art works, Amsterdam’s tourist scene has instead become known for loutish behaviour. Large groups head to the city’s cannabis cafes and frequent its red light district.
Local councillor Ilana Rooderkerk described locals arriving on cruise ships a “locust plague”. Each year around 1,000 cruise ships bring in “nuisance” tourists in large numbers.
It has led to a long-term plan to keep tourism below 20 million overnight stays a year. And campaigns have been launched urging young people who might visit for the cannabis to “stay away”.
The impact the old town and red light district has on the city has become a particular cause of concern. The area is known for its legalised brothels and “shop window” displays of sex workers.
Now €12 million of spending has been pledged to tackle what officials have dubbed “overtourism” – although locals complain not enough is being done to tackle overflowing bins and pests. According to The Times, figures show rat-related nuisance incidents have increased by more than 20 percent in the last year.
The residents’ open letter continued: “It is very clear that the urgency of this problem is lacking in the municipality. We pay for the city’s cleaning costs every year but see nothing in return. Rats and seagulls thrive on this rubbish dump, a danger to public health.”
Karin Klooster claimed rubbish went uncollected at her house. She added: “Once voted the most beautiful street in Amsterdam, now a misery full of dirt with an impassable sidewalk. The stench is now permeating the house.”
Hester van Buren, the local councillor responsible for waste collection, said: “”I understand the frustration. It’s our top priority.” She previously explained: “Overtourism is a worldwide problem. But we can’t put a fence around Amsterdam.”