As one of the oldest professions in the world, sex work has helped keep the (red) lights on in Amsterdam’s city center since the 15th century (possibly earlier, according to multiple historians). But this small part of downtown Amsterdam, known as the Red Light District, has become a huge problem for residents, sex workers, and city officials alike, as it attracts some of the world’s rowdiest, most annoyingly disrespectful crowds of tourists. So, in an attempt to tackle the issue, city officials are launching a new “Stay Away” advertising campaign in an attempt to dissuade certain tourists from visiting, CNN reported.
The campaign, which follows a similar attempt in June 2021, will launch in Spring 2023 and initially target “nuisance” British tourists, according to The Times. “The aim of the discouragement campaign is to keep out visitors that we do not want,” said Amsterdam deputy mayor Sofyan Mbarki. “If we love the city, we must take action now.” But the Dutch city isn’t just relying on digital “discouragement” ads to keep out sex- and drug–tourists. Officials also introduced several new policy measures to be voted on as soon as Dec. 21.
