River Cruises Proposed as Managed Tourism Solution for Amsterdam

IG RiverCruise and River Cruise Europe recently introduced a concept for managed tourism during a policy breakfast held in Amsterdam earlier this month.

According to a statement, the event brought together industry experts to discuss the growing challenges facing Amsterdam’s tourism sector.

The city is seeing a rising number of visitors arriving by air and by ship, which has led to congestion during peak periods and increased pressure on certain public spaces and local residents. River cruising was presented as part of a potential solution to support a more inclusive, balanced, and future-ready travel and leisure model.

Because river cruise vessels carry far fewer passengers than larger ships, these smaller groups are considered less likely to overwhelm historic landmarks and cultural attractions. Cruise operators can also plan itineraries that guide visitors to less frequented neighborhoods, helping to relieve congestion in the city center and promote a more evenly distributed tourism flow.

“We support preserving Amsterdam’s livability and cultural character,” said Sascha Gill, vice-president IGRC. “Our river cruises carry approximately 200 passengers, making these groups easy to manage.”

The press release noted that river cruising contributes €221 million to Amsterdam’s economy, accounts for 365,000 hotel nights, and supports nearly 2,000 jobs, while representing just 2% of the city’s total tourist numbers.

Distributing visitor flows more evenly across Amsterdam is seen as a way to increase benefits for residents and local businesses, while reducing negative impacts on neighborhoods and cultural heritage. Smaller vessels are also able to dock closer to city centers, providing direct access without the need for additional transfers and reducing associated pollution.

“Amsterdam stands at a crossroads. We believe the city can reimagine tourism as a force that strengthens communities and provides value rather than strains them,” added Monic van der Heyden of River Cruise Europe.

“I’m happy to see that we can discuss manageable/managed tourism openly today. As IG RiverCruise and River Cruise Europe we’re ready to be part of the solution.”