Amsterdam has doubled down on 2023’s Stay Away campaign intended to deter rowdy crowds. The latest measure is a web quiz targeting tourists’ intentions: will you be indulging in poffertjes or molly during your stay?
The municipality’s interactive questions aim to prompt tourists with the wrong idea to reconsider the purpose of their visit.
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Wandering around the city smoking a joint? Not allowed. An organized pub crawl? No, not possible. And going out until after 2 AM? You should know — that’s not an option in the Red Light District!
The website promotes education about the consequences of antisocial behaviours when it comes to drugs and partying in the capital.
The new site is already live for Brits and will soon be followed for the Italian, Spanish and French. The municipality is taking no chances: there will also be a Dutch website for local troublemakers. 👀
One hundred measures and counting
The questionnaire continues the work of the original Stay Away campaign, which included a bold video compilation of drunk men being arrested, fined and even taken away in an ambulance.
Amsterdam launches "stay away" ad campaign targeting young British men https://t.co/5gNzf2TyPi— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 29, 2023
But how successful were these dramatised deterrents? Well, not entirely. 😬
Some reported a decline, while others are more sceptical — either way, the campaign failed to fully curb the nuisance of British tourists.
With the launch of this new initiative, the municipality encourages looking at the broader picture.
Certain measures can have a greater impact together, such as tighter Red Light District policing and a ban on new hotel construction. 🤝
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The campaign will run until the end of 2024. Will we finally see the end of troublesome tourists in the capital? 🤔
Do you think this anti-tourism campaign will be successful? Let us know in the comments below!
I live in the red light district. Right on Oudezijds Achterburgwal.
There is zero police presence at night to deter anti social behaviour.
The red light covers a very small area, 2 police officers on bicycles could easily cover it
The drug dealers operate openly with impunity.
In Gelderskade junkies openly smoke crack, ironically beside signs that warm of fines for smoking weed.
The police need to pro actively actually “police” the area.