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Amsterdam sees fewer tourists from America and Japan

DutchAmsterdam.nl — In the past two months, Amsterdam has seen significantly fewer tourists from Japan and the United States.

The number of Japanese visitors diminished by 42 percent compared to January and February 2008, while the number of Americans fell by 35 percent.

Amsterdam tourists

Backpackers from the U.S. findind their way in Amsterdam
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The weak dollar, which makes Europe expensive for Americans, and the worldwide effects of the economic crisis are thought to be behind the drop.

Lodewijk Asscher, deputy mayor of economic affairs, confirmed the numbers in an interview with local TV station AT5. He called the developments worrisome.

“These are very hard numbers. They concern groups of tourist who tend to spend much money in the city,” Asscher said.

Hotels, restaurants, and shops as well as museums and tourist attractions are affected by the lower numbers. During the months of January and February, museums saw 21 percent fewer visitors. Attractions registered a drop of 27 percent compared to the same period last year.

Marketing Amsterdam closer to home

Asscher stated that Amsterdam is now focusing on tourists closer to home, from countries such as Belgium, Germany and France.

The city’s tourist office is also actively marketing Amsterdam to the Dutch — many of whom are also vacationing closer to home this year.

Amsterdam’s popular I Amsterdam discount card this year is also available in the Dutch language. The 24, 48 or 72-hours card provides over 30 free and 20 discounted offers on major tourist attractions and restaurants, along with unlimited use of Amsterdam’s public transport system. The smart card also includes a pocket guide to the city.

Anton and Janet Hein
Publisher at DutchAmsterdam | Website |  + posts

Anton and Janet Hein live and work in Amsterdam. We are the publishers of DutchAmsterdam.

Anton was born on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, right across from the iconic Westertoren and what later became the Anne Frank House museum. Having lived in nearly every district since then, he knows the city like his own back pocket.

Janet was born in England and raised in Ireland before moving to Amsterdam 42 years ago. Even to date she brings an expat’s perspective to the DutchAmsterdam website.

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Last updated Sunday, September 25, 2011 CET (Central European Time)

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