Amsterdam to raise tourist tax to 20 percent by 2031 to limit visitors

Amsterdam Visitor Surge Drives Record Overnights and Local Frustrations

Amsterdam recorded millions of tourist overnights alongside millions of day visits, according to municipal research institute O&S projections. This escalating visitor volume strains municipal infrastructure and triggers pushback from residents, prompting city officials to incrementally raise tourist taxes while business groups cite contrasting economic benefits from major festivals like the Amsterdam Dance Event.

An I&O Binnenstadsenquête survey indicates that nearly one in five residents avoids the inner city, while roughly two-thirds feel foreign visitors maintain an overly intrusive presence.

Municipal Policy Shifts and the Rising Tourist Tax Debate

Amsterdam city officials implemented a hotel stop at the end of 2024 and restricted holiday rentals to limit visitor expansion, according to statements by Alderman Melanie van der Horst. The municipal coalition agreement specifies that the tourist tax will increase step-by-step from 12.5 percent to 20 percent by 2031. Van Dijk, chairman of the citizen initiative, told the sources that the tax serves to make accommodation less profitable for operators and fund legal measures against hotel permits.

Festival Tourism and Economic Impacts During High Demand Periods

While the municipality attempts to curb general visitor numbers, large-scale events generate substantial peaks for the local hospitality sector. The Amsterdam Dance Event drew 600,000 visitors in October 2025, generating nearly two million hotel overnights for the month, according to the sources. Tobias van Dijk, Director of Hotels Benelux, noted that such events drive high demand across the entire urban area. Rob van Hemert, Director of Brand & Expansion at Conscious Hotels and Hotel V, stated that event attendees are qualitative guests who stay multiple nights, though their presence leaves normal travelers with limited lodging availability months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam Tourism Policies

How much will the tourist tax increase by 2031?

The Amsterdam municipal coalition agreement dictates that the tourist tax will rise incrementally from its current rate of 12.5 percent to 20 percent by 2031.

What visitor volume does Amsterdam expect in future years?

Research institute O&S projects that Amsterdam will receive between 25 and 29.4 million tourist overnights and between 21.7 and 23.6 million day visits by 2028.

How many visitors did the Amsterdam Dance Event attract?

The Amsterdam Dance Event drew 600,000 visitors in October 2025, contributing to nearly two million hotel overnights during that month.