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 to a "locust plague".
The city reels under the pressure of about 1,000 cruise liners each year, docking with hordes of visitors that locals have dubbed "nuisance" tourists. This surge in tourism prompted the implementation of a strategy aimed at capping the number of overnight stays at 20 million annually. The city has launched campaigns to deter young people attracted by the cannabis culture, with a blunt message: "Stay away".
The impact on the historic old town and the infamous red light district is a growing source of anxiety. This part of the city, notable for its legalised brothels and sex workers in "shop window" presentations, has been suffering under the strain of visitor numbers. Officials have now committed €12million to address what's known as overtourism, but many citizens are dissatisfied, feeling that little is being done to combat the problems of overflowing bins and rampant pest issues.
The Times reported a rise in rat-related complaints of over 20 percent within the past twelve months. The 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." One inhabitant, Karin Klooster, voiced her grievances regarding uncollected waste. She remarked: "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." Local councillor Hester van Buren, who is in charge of waste collection, expressed her understanding of the situation, stating: ""I understand the frustration. It's our top priority.
" She had previously noted: "Overtourism is a worldwide problem. But we can't put a fence around Amsterdam.".
