Holiday hotspot plans to smash Britons with 20% tourist tax and close its port entirely

Amsterdam has put forward plans to raise its tourist tax to 20 per cent by the end of the decade in a blow to millions of British tourists.

The Dutch capital currently charges visitors 12 per cent of their accommodation costs, making it already one of Europe's most expensive destinations for overnight stays.

But under a coalition agreement published this week by its executive board, that would climb to 16 per cent next year before rising by one percentage point each year until 2030.

"Tourism contributes to the city's economy, but at the same time places significant pressure on public spaces, quality of life and municipal facilities," the document says.

The coalition also wants to shut Amsterdam's cruise port terminal, ending sea arrivals to the city entirely.

Authorities would seek discussions with national Government and regional bodies about alternative arrangements.

Transforming the city centre is also being proposed - with officials planning to systematically purchase buildings and buy out the businesses operating within them.

Tourism to the city's historic canals is also bracing for a tax raid.

The entertainment levy, which applies to boat tours, canoes and other vessel rentals, may be increased to squeeze more cash from day visitors, who already pay a €15 (£13) levy.

Revenue from the higher tourist tax would fund efforts to make Amsterdam cleaner, safer and more pleasant for both residents and tourists, the board claims.

But sex tourists are bracing for a major blow - a planned "Erotic Centre" in the Zuid district has been abandoned by the new coalition.

The previous administration had proposed the facility to provide safer working conditions for sex workers while reducing criminal influence on prostitution and easing crowding in the Red Light District.

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Instead, the Government will pursue unspecified "small-scale initiatives" to relieve pressure on the city centre.

The board will also push to slash funding to one of the city's best-known tourist agencies.

Funding for Amsterdam&Partners, the organisation behind the "I amsterdam" brand, will be reduced under the plans.

The coalition made no mention of banning tourists from buying cannabis at "coffee shops", a measure some local politicians had previously advocated.

The coalition agreement outlines ambitions for a "more balanced new visitor economy" built on cooperation between businesses, residents and knowledge institutions.

The proposals will be debated on June 10, setting the board's agenda for the coming four years.

Any decisions made by the board must then receive approval from the City of Amsterdam council.

The move is set to follow a number of pushes put in place to drive tourists away from the city and smash its reputation as a party town.

In 2023, the city launched a "Stay Away" campaign to "cut down on tourists" following significant concern from residents.

As a result, the number of Britons visiting the Netherlands dropped by 22 per cent.

Amsterdam's tourist board was later slammed as "hypocritical" after rolling out another campaign aimed to put off stag parties.

The "Amsterdam Rules" campaign - only accessible from the UK when it launched - comprises a series of questions designed to deter prospective party tourists from visiting the Dutch capital.