Amsterdam wants to teach tourists rules of etiquette with a quiz
Amsterdam is combating the negative effects of mass tourism with restrictions and bans—and now a quiz is designed to familiarize visitors with the new rules of conduct even before they begin their trip.
The Question game in English first wants to clarify why visitors are drawn to the Dutch capital - for example for a honeymoon, a stag party, shopping or partying. They are then asked how they imagine their trip. Step by step, the "Amsterdam Rules" quiz makes it clear what is forbidden and how visitors should behave.
For example, anyone who says they want to spend the night in their own car is told that this is forbidden and can result in a fine and high parking fees. "Would you like a guided tour of the red light district?" is another question. Anyone who thinks this is a tempting offer and clicks yes will be disappointed. Such tours are no longer permitted. If you then say you want to party until five in the morning, you will be turned down again. The bars close at 2 am. An organized pub crawl instead? Also prohibited. Just drifting through the city with a beer or joint in your hand - you guessed it, that's forbidden too.
Tulips, honey waffles - or cocaine
"Which famous Dutch products do you want to buy?" continues the quiz. Anyone who actually clicks on cocaine instead of tulips or honey waffles - which the Amsterdam city council apparently considers to be a typically Dutch product that is in demand - is once again taught a lesson. Buying drugs on the street is forbidden, the dealers sell adulterated substances, drugs are unhealthy and there is also the threat of a fine.
And if you consistently click on everything that sounds a bit forbidden for long enough in the question game, you'll get some advice at the end: "Too bad, given your preferences, Amsterdam might not offer the experience you're looking for. Read the guide to find out why."
Red light ban follows stoner ban
The interactive quiz follows an online campaign launched last year to discourage young drink and drug tourists, particularly from the UK, from visiting the city. Following the imposition of a ban on smoking pot in the city center, the famous red light district is soon to be banned from the center as well.
According to the city, the aim of all these measures is to keep Amsterdam liveable for the residents themselves and to curb the negative effects of mass tourism. And just to reassure you: you can also select the good answers in the new quiz, in which case you will end up on the "Discover Amsterdam" website with a wide range of travel tips. (SDA)
