Posted on Wednesday, 15 May 2019

It's rare for a nation's tourist board to stop promoting one of its key attractions, but that's what the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) has done.

Amsterdam now receives 19 million visitors annually, up from 11 million in 2005. The sheer weight of visitors has led to overcrowded attractions and public transport, along with  a general worsening in the quality of life for residents. In order to help control visitor numbers, last year the city introduced a tourist tax, the proceeds of which will go towards funding the costs generated by so many additional tourists.

Increasing levels of bad behaviour are also a concern, prompting Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, to introduce levy on-the-spot fines of 140 euros (£120) for excessive drunkenness and other anti-social behaviour. Halsema also increased funding for street cleaning.

And it's not just Amsterdam being impacted by the rise in visitors. The world famous Keukenholf bulb garden and Kinderdijk windmill districts have been inundated with visitors, to the extent that locals are finding it difficult to get to and from work.

A report by the NBTC said "More isn't always, and certainly not everywhere, better,” referring to visitor numbers that could soar to 42 million nationwide by 2030.

Instead the NBTC wants visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the country. Speaking to the New York Times, Elsje van Vuuren, a spokeswoman for the board, said: “We do promotion, but that is only for the regions and the cities that are not well known abroad.”

Here are five fantastic Dutch attractions that are not Amsterdam:

Maastricht

With its cobbled alleys, Gothic churches and Roman ruins, Maastricht is often called the oldest city in the country - although this is hotly debated by some. A picturesque medieval city without the crowds of Amsterdam. Don't miss the Basilica of Saint Servatius and the Bonnefantenmuseum for the finest architecture.

Rotterdam

Having been extensively bombed in World War Two, Rotterdam does not possess the kind of quaint architecture that has made Amsterdam so well-loved. In its place are a vast array of quirky, modern buildings, which go hand-in-hand with a liberal, laid back vibe. This student city is great for a night out, during which you can expect plenty of live music and food from all corners of the world.

Groningen

Fun, eco-friendly Groningen is one of the Netherlands' smallest cities. It's home to a vast array of organic food shops and craft markets - not to mention bicycle speed bumps. The creative feel attracts many students, who, like its visitors, can enjoy the city's 24-hour nightlife.

Utrecht

Another great university city, Utrecht is just 40 minutes from Amsterdam, yet it does not attract huge numbers of visitors. However, that doesn't mean you won't find a plethora of medieval walkways and Gothic architecture here. It is also split-level, with many old eateries located by the canal, below street level.

Den Bosch

Even before a fine Dutch lager, it's not easy to pronounce ‘s-Hertogenbosch' - which is why visitors and locals alike prefer the nickname 'Den Bosch'. Don't miss the super-Gothic St John's Cathedral, or The Moriaan, the country's oldest building. The canal network is called Binnendieze, and is similar in scale to that of Amsterdam, but far more tranquil.

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