European tourists have been branded a 'locust plague' after they swarmed the streets of a city - causing an invasion of rats and seagulls Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A European city has been dubbed the "dirtiest in the world" as residents lament being inundated with rubbish left by tourists.
Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, saw authorities collect a staggering 73 tonnes of waste in a single day following the city's Pride festivities. Locals are up in arms, claiming their city is now plagued by seagulls and rats due to the refuse discarded by visitors. Last year, Amsterdam attracted around 20 million tourists, nearly double the number that flock to places like Venice.
This surge in visitors has led to a group of concerned citizens penning an open letter to the Het Parool newspaper, decrying litter as the "number one annoyance for the umpteenth summer in a row". The letter, which bears the signatures of 38 residents including business owners, artists, and writers, states: "We live in Amsterdam on a rubbish dump. The city has become one of the dirtiest in the world.
" In an effort to shift away from mass tourism, Amsterdam, alongside cities such as Prague, Venice, and Barcelona, is aiming to attract fewer but more affluent tourists who would stay longer. Once celebrated for its cultural offerings, picturesque canals, and museums housing masterpieces, Amsterdam's reputation amongst tourists has shifted towards unruly behaviour. Throngs of visitors are drawn to the city's famed cannabis cafes and the notorious red light district.
Local councillor Ilana Rooderkerk has reportedly likened tourists arriving on cruise ships to a "locust plague". Each year, approximately 1,000 cruise ships dock, bringing hordes of "nuisance" visitors. Officials are struggling to keep tourism numbers below 20 million overnight stays annually.
There are also campaigns dissuading young visitors who might be keen on exploring cannabis culture with the blunt message: "stay away". Particular attention is being given to the old town and red light district, which has caused much controversy due to their legalised brothels and prominent sex worker displays. An extensive €12 million fund has been earmarked to combat the surge in what's termed as "overtourism", but residents argue that challenges such as overflowing waste bins and pest infestations remain unaddressed.
According to The Times, incidents of rat-related disturbances have soared by over 20 percent last year. The frustration of locals was evident in an open letter stating: "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." Resident Karin Klooster lamented the state of the streets, revealing her own garbage woes: "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 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.".
