IG RiverCruise and River Cruise Europe hosted a Policy Breakfast to discuss a pivotal question: How can Amsterdam preserve its magic while welcoming the world?
River cruises provide significant added value: €221 M economic value and 2.100 jobs, with only 2% of total visitors. But with a total of 22 million visitors annually, Amsterdam faces a critical choice. Together with experts from the field, IG RiverCruise and River Cruise Europe presented a model to address the decisions that need to be made for future-proof tourism: MANAGED TOURISM.
Rather than restricting river cruise tourism, we’re proposing managed tourism as a data-driven solution that uses real-time passenger tracking and smart coordination. This method already allows us to manage our guests by the hour, directing them to less-visited neighborhoods and reducing pressure on historic city center. Our sector can serve as an example of managing tourism as a force that strengthens communities and provides value rather than strain them. We’re ready to be part of the solution.
Speakers Joost Ouendag (Viking), Roger Havelaar (CDA) , Ko Koens (lector New Urban Tourism) and Randy Durband (GSTC) were there to share their expert views. It was a very interesting and inspiring session.
Thank you – Van Loon Cruises – for hosting the event on the beautiful Gentlemen.