The coalition parties Pro and D66 presented their coalition agreement today, containing plans for the municipality of Amsterdam. The tourist tax will increase from 12,5% to 16% in 2027. Subsequently, it will be raised by an additional 1% annually until it reaches a level of 20%. The entertainment levy (tax on day recreation) will also be broadened. The Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, for sea cruise ships, must leave the city.
Combating overtourism is an important part of the plans: “We are strengthening the business climate by stimulating cooperation and reducing regulatory burdens, and remain committed to combating overtourism.”
Difficult times are ahead for the hotel sector in Amsterdam. This year (2026), the VAT on hotel stays was increased from 9% to 21%. Hoteliers are already struggling to absorb this price increase, as passing it on entirely is by no means always possible. On top of that, a 3,5% increase in tourist tax will be added in 2027.
explanation Pretwerk.nl
A summary of the measures affecting tourism:
Most of the explanation regarding this can be found in chapter 4.1:
- We are substantially increasing the tourist tax to 16% in 2027 and then by 1 percentage point annually until it eventually reaches 20%, to make visitors contribute more to the city.
- We are investigating broadening the entertainment levy to include a higher contribution from day visitors when visiting the city.
- We are structurally replenishing the real estate fund to acquire properties in the city center, transform them, and buy out functions.
- We are closing the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam and ending the possibility of reaching Amsterdam by sea cruises. We will enter into discussions with the national government and the region regarding alternatives.
- The permit requirement in the city center is being permanently rolled out, and we are starting with the streets where the need is highest.
- The Erotic Center will not be built. To relieve pressure in the city center, the municipality is focusing on small-scale initiatives.
- We are discontinuing city promotion aimed at tourists and reducing our contribution to Amsterdam & Partners. We are focusing more on collaboration with entrepreneurs, residents, and knowledge institutions for the new, more balanced visitor economy.
- We are giving an extra boost to ARTIS, so that ARTIS belongs to all Amsterdammers again and ARTIS's contribution to broad prosperity in Amsterdam is preserved. (Chapter 3.2)
More information: A new coalition agreement and intended municipal executive | Municipality of Amsterdam