Balanced tourism Amsterdam

Abstract

Every year, cities in general and heritage cities in particular, welcome a large number of tourists from all over the world. Different authors have argued that the heritage tourism segment is showing even better growth than others and that the number of visitors to art cities is growing more than expected based on general growth figures. The Netherlands is currently experiencing a rapid development in tourism of which Amsterdam, a city of cultural and art tourism, is the main destination. Scholars extensively discuss the impact of tourism on the environment economy and society and emphasize the need for sustainable tourism development, but relevant questions remain open. In particular, research has not yet been able to quantify when and where tourism and non-touristic developments are in a good balance.
This present thesis review’s Amsterdam’s history and studies the diversity of urban activities present in the city. Building on this analysis as well as on diversity mapping results, the thesis suggests that urban diversity mapping may be helpful in determining where and when tourism can support urban development in Amsterdam.