The historic Dutch village of Zaanse Schans, famous for its enchanting windmills, is taking drastic measures to combat overwhelming tourist numbers. Starting next spring, the local council will charge visitors from outside the area €17.50 ($20.50; £15) to enter the village.
In 2022, the village saw 2.6 million visitors—a staggering figure compared to its resident population of only 100. Marieke Verweij, director of the local museum, expressed concern over the influx, highlighting privacy issues faced by residents: 'People often walk into their gardens and homes, disregarding the fact that locals live here.'
The planned entry fee is expected to generate significant revenue, which the council aims to allocate towards maintaining the windmills and improving village infrastructure, including new public toilets.
While the fee may deter some visitors, others view it as a reasonable price for the complete experience, which includes access to the village museum and the interior of the windmills—historical examples of traditional Dutch engineering.
Local shop owners, however, fear loss of business as the charge could discourage budget-conscious tourists. Sterre Schaap, co-owner of a nearby gift shop, stated, 'Families may reconsider their spending if they have to pay an entry fee and parking costs.'
This initiative marks a rare case in the tourism industry, as few villages impose similar fees. Nevertheless, similar models have been seen in places like Venice and Bhutan, indicating a potential trend toward controlling tourism in heritage sites.