A new daily €8 tax for cruise passengers in Amsterdam has been compared to “blaming a bystander” for a problem not of their making by Clia’s chairman.
From January 1, passengers visiting the city mid-cruise with river or ocean lines will be taxed for each day they spend in the Dutch capital, but those embarking or disembarking will avoid the levy.
Clia criticised the city’s decision, saying cruise represents just 1% of Amsterdam’s tourist traffic.
Two lines have amended itineraries to avoid the charge.
MSC Cruises cancelled seven 2019 arrivals in Amsterdam, and 11 in 2020, after the tax was confirmed last month, the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam said. MSC ships will now dock in Rotterdam and offer passengers trips into Amsterdam.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages has also now switched port stops from Amsterdam to Rotterdam for 37 calls in 2019 and 2020, affecting more than 50,000 passengers.
Speaking at a Travel Weekly Business Breakfast, Clia UK & Ireland chairman Tony Roberts said: “It’s the equivalent of saying ‘we have a problem’, then blaming a bystander. Amsterdam should have liaised with Clia, but it didn’t.”
Roberts said Clia had a good record of working with destinations, such as Dubrovnik, to address overtourism concerns.
In a statement, Clia said it was “disappointed” the City of Amsterdam implemented the tax within “just two months”.
Passenger Terminal Amsterdam commercial director Dick de Graaff said: “I would be angry if I was the cruise lines – the tax was given at such short notice.” Vera Al, a spokeswoman for the city’s deputy mayor, said: “If you stay in a hotel, you pay a tax; if you spend a night on a ship, you should pay a tax.”