Amsterdam leads the way in funky sustainable tourism
New tourism social initiatives spring up in Dutch tourism hub
Amsterdam appears to be leading the way in tourism that has social benefits. Not only is its "Homeless Hotel" see ‘Heartwarm Hotel makes Amsterdam happy’ going from strength to strength see – but new initiatives include a funky art hotel complex, a charity to use tourism and hospitality donations to get help to the local homeless before Christmas, and even a wholesome pie shop right in the Red Light district.
The art hotel project makes use of a big disused school and is already providing accommodation for 50 artists-in-residence. The idea is to regenerate the local area by providing tourism hostel accommodation, exhibition and performance space, herb and vegetable gardens, a restaurant and café. All at low cost designed to attract young, artistic tourists. Perfect for an art destination such as Amsterdam with its swathe of fabulous galleries and museums.
The hotel is to be called Wozzz Inn and it certainly has the WOW factor.
Another social intervention is the just-launched StreetSmart initiative. Based on the successful London project, StreeSmart Amsterdam has the backing of local homeless charity HVO Querido and is supported by 50 top Amsterdam chefs.
The idea is that restaurant guests will make a voluntary donation of one euro per bill which will go direct to Amsterdam’s homeless in the cold winter months.
Hotelier and social entrepreneur behind all these new tourism and social initiatives is Sandra Chedi, owner of the 175 room floating hotel the Amstel Botel – one of Amsterdam’s funkiest accommodations in itself. The three star 175 room is exactly what it says on the label; a custom-designed hotel boat on the Amstel in one of Amsterdam’s latest artistic hotspots – the NDSM Quay.
Just a 10 minute free ferry trip from Central Station, the area is gradually morphing from a massive shipbuilding works to a massive exuberant and colourful art centre. Media businesses, art houses, top cutting edge restaurants, night clubs and a year full of festivals from the high culture Over the Ij festival to Robodok are making it a place to see and be seen.
Accommodation and hospitality in Amsterdam is certainly getting more fun and philanthropic!
Valere Tjolle
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