Amsterdam has had enough of stag parties. A new quiz launched by city officials asks tourists what they plan to do on their visit. Tourists who answer by saying they plan to “drink in the street” or stay out until 5am are told the city might not be for them.
However, the Dutch city’s new campaign has failed to deter British bachelors with two stag party companies telling Express.co.uk they’ve actually seen a surge in bookings.
Tom Bourlet, from The Stag Company, which sells experiences such as brewery tours and strip nights in Amsterdam, said the campaign had had the “opposite effect” with “rebellious Brits” still eager to book.
Tom told Express.co.uk: “The campaign by the Amsterdam council to deter British stag groups from visiting Amsterdam had the polar opposite effect last year, boosting our sales to record figures.
“Exactly 12 months on, they’re going for a similar tactic. Considering many of our groups are involved in nice activities, wanting to celebrate with friends and are very respectful, it does feel like a lazy stereotype of ‘Brits abroad’.
“It seemed to create the opposite effect they hoped for, as people opted for their stag weekend to take place in Amsterdam.”
Matt Mavir, managing director at Last Night of Freedom, claimed his company had also seen “an increase in bookings”.
He slammed Amsterdam’s campaign as “heavy handed” and “embarrassing” and accused city officials of spreading misinformation.
Matt said: “To make a claim that stag parties are ‘forbidden’ in Amsterdam is factually wrong, and doesn’t stand up to any real scrutiny – how would any such ban, if it existed, ever be enforced?
“It’s spreading misinformation as part of an ongoing, sensationalist campaign to make groups of UK tourists feel unwelcome in the city. But this goes further. It’s heavy handed, embarrassing and completely out of place in a civilised, free society – especially in a city famed for its liberalism.
“Stag and hen parties are at the centre of a healthy tourism eco-system, and when properly organised they bring fun and vibrancy – not to speak of the money spent supporting local businesses, which in turn provides jobs.
