Amsterdam Bans New Hotels
Skift Take
Key Points
- Amsterdam bans new hotels to fight mass tourism, only permitting new ones if an existing hotel closes.
- Hyatt aims to expand in India's domestic leisure travel market with plans for 50 new hotels.
- Apple introduces Airplay streaming technology in over 60 IHG hotels, enhancing guest experiences.
Summary
Amsterdam has banned new hotel developments to curb mass tourism, allowing new hotels only if an existing one closes without increasing bed capacity. This move is part of a broader strategy that includes raising tourist taxes and limiting annual overnight stays. Meanwhile, Hyatt plans to expand its presence in India's domestic leisure market by opening 50 new hotels. Additionally, Apple has introduced its Airplay technology in over 60 IHG hotels, allowing guests to stream content from their devices to in-room TVs.
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Episode Notes
Amsterdam is banning hotel developments as part of its strategy to fight mass tourism, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.
Amsterdam’s municipal government announced the Dutch capital will no longer issue permits for new hotels. The only exception would be if another hotel in the city closes and the number of beds doesn’t increase. Habtemariam notes Amsterdam officials are looking to limit annual overnight stays in the city to 20 million.
The new hotel restriction is Amsterdam’s latest attempt to discourage mass tourism. The city raised its tourist tax 5 percentage points earlier this year.
Next, Hyatt is ramping up its efforts to attract Indian leisure travelers, writes India Reporter Bulbul Dhawan.
Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian said India’s leisure travel market is mainly driven by domestic travelers, and that the company is looking to open 50 more hotels across 28 markets in India. The company currently operates 50 hotels in 17 Indian markets. Hoplamazian added he’s seen more interest in investments in India’s hospitality industry.
Finally, Apple is putting wireless streaming technology in hotel rooms for the first time as part of its partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, writes Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes.
Apple’s Airplay technology is now available in rooms at more than 60 IHG properties throughout North America. Airplay enables guests to stream content from their iPhone or iPad to the LG television in their hotel rooms. An IHG executive said the company is looking to create a “home-away-from-home” experience that many guests crave.
Producer/Presenter: Jane Alexander
Photo Credit: An Amsterdam canal and street scene. Unsplash / Guarav Jain
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