What’s land recycling? Read about this German example
The city of Flensburg got a grant from the regional government of Schleswig-Holstein so that it would avoid building on new land
The city is keen to reshape its image to something classier and less libertine
The Amsterdam tourism authorities have initiated an online campaign to discourage certain tourists from visiting the city. Yes, you read that right, the aim here is to turn potential visitors away rather than attract them, which is normally the job of tourism offices.
The reason behind this move is the general fatigue on part of many local residents with the city’s image as a party destination, which attracts noisy young tourists seeking to let loose. That in turn leads to the proliferation of social ills, such as drug trade and petty crime. That is why, the authorities have a simple message for people planning to visit with such intentions in mind – Stay Away!
That is, in fact, the name of the discouragement campaign, which is accompanied by short videos showing the possible shameful and risky consequences of a wild night out in Amsterdam. One video shows a young man being taken by ambulance to a hospital with the implication that he’d overdosed on drugs and another one is shown as being arrested by the police and then having to spend the following day in jail.
"Visitors remain welcome, but not if they misbehave and cause a nuisance. Then we as a city say: rather not, stay away," said Deputy Mayor Sofyan Mbarki of Economic Affairs and Action Inner City, adding: “But to keep our city livable, we now opt for limitations instead of irresponsible growth."
Apparently, the problematic tourists have a certain profile. These are usually young men, aged between 18 and 35, many of whom are from the United Kingdom. In fact, that group will be the first target audience of the online campaign, although later it will expand to other countries as well.
For example, if these men search for “stag party Amsterdam”, “cheap hotel Amsterdam” and “pub crawl Amsterdam”, they will see warning ads. The advertisements show the risks and consequences of nuisance and excessive alcohol and drug use.
The campaign will be assessed and possibly further developed in the coming months.
In December 2022, the city council adopted the Visitor Economy 2035 Vision and a package of measures to combat excessive tourism and nuisance. A number of these will take effect this spring after discussions in the city council, such as stricter closing times, a smoking ban and limited alcohol sales in certain areas. The city council is also talking to providers of bachelor parties in the city centre.
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
His name is Adrian-Dragoș Benea from Romania
Find out her vision for the next five years and what’s in store for the European Union
Gotland wants to be at the forefront of this emerging mobility technology
It’s all about preventing the habit of slowing down just for the radar
Landkreis Heilbronn will also enlist the help of sensors to identify incorrectly filled organic trash bins
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
The Old Continent gets ready for the largest festival of sports
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital