A European city has been branded the "dirtiest in the world " with local residents up in arms over the deluge of trash left by holidaymakers. Amsterdam's already strained clean-up crews reached a tipping point when they removed a staggering 73 tonnes of garbage after the city's Pride event, according to city officials. Residents are at their wits' end following invasions of seagulls and rats due to piles of waste discarded by tourists.
The capital of the Netherlands was swamped by approximately 20 million visitors last year, a figure nearly double that of famed locations like Venice. This prompted an outcry from the community, with an open letter published in the Het Parool newspaper blasting the relentless litter problem that has plagued them for yet another summer. Penned by a group of 38 frustrated locals, including business owners, creatives, and authors, the letter made its stance clear.
It read: "We live in Amsterdam on a rubbish dump. The city has become one of the dirtiest in the world." Amsterdam has joined the likes of Prague, Venice, and Barcelona in a concerted effort to attract fewer, but more affluent, travellers seeking extended stays.
It was once celebrated for its picturesque canals and treasure-laden museums showcasing masterpieces of art. But now its reputation has been tarnished by rowdy stag-dos, drawn to the cannabis coffee shops and the notorious red light district. Local councillor Ilana Rooderkerk has likened the influx of tourists from cruise ships t.