The British have responded to a campaign by the municipality of Amsterdam to discourage British tourists from making trips involving sex, drugs and drink.
Dutch outlet The Telegraph conducted an interview with several British people in Amsterdam after the city launched the initiative earlier this week to tell rowdy British holidaymakers – particularly young British men – to ‘stay away’.
The interviewer showed the men screenshots of the advertisements in which young men were imprisoned after ‘a messy night out’ on the streets of the Dutch capital, asking if the British still felt welcome in the city.
“I don’t really pay attention – I just come here and have fun,” someone replied. “Do you really want to get rid of everyone?”
Another chimed in, “Most of the population isn’t like that,” arguing that the city had established its own reputation as a party destination.
‘Amsterdam as a city is a party, outgoing, where you can enjoy … as long as the soul of it is here, it never ends.’
De Telegraaf conducted an interview with several British people in Amsterdam after the city launched an initiative earlier this week to tell rowdy British holidaymakers – particularly young British men – to ‘stay away’. “I don’t really pay attention – I just come here and have fun,” someone replied
“Amsterdam as a city is a party, outgoing, where you can enjoy … as long as the soul of that is here, it will never stop,” said one, who claimed that Amsterdam was responsible for its own reputation
The Dutch capital launched a campaign to discourage tourists planning drug and alcohol-related parties from visiting the city – starting with young British men
OHowever, others admitted that Britons have acquired a negative reputation in many countries for their drunken antics and lewd behavior.
‘Brits abroad… they don’t make a good name for themselves,’ one interviewee shrugged. “They’re probably the worst.”
Some have hailed the campaign as a protest against “glassy-eyed tourist zombies prowling” as Amsterdam became the latest holiday destination to discourage British tourists from booze-filled trips.
But many Brits took to social media to mock the campaign, arguing that telling holidaymakers to avoid sex, drugs and booze is a surefire way to encourage more people to sample the delights of the Dutch capital .
Twitter user Edward Moye said: “I wasn’t planning to go to Amsterdam, but now they’ve highlighted what’s on offer, maybe I will.”
Another user, Duncan Goodfellow, said, “That’s more of an ad to go.”
A third said: “Thank you for your offer, we politely decline and look forward to seeing you soon.”
Others questioned whether the campaign would work.
Social media user Rupert said, “Don’t think the 18-year-old me would have paid much attention to this.”
Twitter user Ben Coates said: “Anyone who thinks telling young British men they’re at risk of a ‘messy night and getting smashed’ will put them off going has clearly never met a young British man.”
Another person added, “I promise you… campaigns that tell people not to do something don’t work.”
The campaign features a staged video showing a young man being arrested after he was found stumbling through the city streets. The video is covered in red letters that read: ‘So coming to Amsterdam for a messy night? Stay out’
Britons have mocked Amsterdam after the city said it wanted to discourage Britons from sex, drug and drinking holidays. In the photo: Prostitutes are behind windows in the Red Light District
Some said that Amsterdam should first look in the mirror and realize what the city had to offer.
Twitter user Richard Whiting said, “Honestly, if you don’t want that kind of customer, close the red light district and the coffee shops.”
Angry Amsterdam prostitutes also condemned the action and will protest against early closing times and plans to move sex workers from the world-famous red light district to large ‘erotic centres’ on the outskirts of the city.
The city’s new campaign – called ‘Stay Away’ – means people will see special warnings when they search for terms like ‘stag party Amsterdam’ or ‘pub crawl Amsterdam’.
The city has long tried to curb rowdy behavior and events such as bachelor parties, especially near the famous red-light district where sex workers operate.
Authorities are considering moving sex workers to large ‘erotic centres’ on the outskirts of the city
New ads allegedly show the ‘risks and consequences of anti-social behaviour’ such as drugs and alcohol (File image)
Amsterdam’s new campaign – called ‘Stay Away’ – will make sure people see special warnings when they search for terms like ‘stag party Amsterdam’ or ‘pub crawl Amsterdam’
The campaign will start in Great Britain, targeting men aged 18 to 35 years, the municipality of Amsterdam said in a statement.
‘This online discouragement campaign is aimed at nuisance-causing tourists who want to visit Amsterdam to ‘let loose’, with all the consequences that entails.’
The ads show the “risks and consequences of antisocial behavior and excessive drug and alcohol abuse,” including fines, arrests, criminal records, hospitalization and health problems.
Amsterdam recently announced a ban on cannabis smoking in the Red Light District, coupled with further restrictions on alcohol consumption and earlier closures of cafes, bars and sex clubs.
People who search for terms such as bachelor party Amsterdam or pub crawl Amsterdam will see warning ads.