New strategic initiative “Buurthotel” brings together Amsterdam’s hotels, the city council and residents through a new concept: ‘co-tourism’

The first edition of Open Hotel Week is turning hotels back into a living room for the neighbourhood, with unique workshops for Amsterdammers.

In Amsterdam, the debate over the impact of tourism is intensifying, partly due to the announced further increase in the tourist tax. The new ‘Buurthotel’ initiative acts as a unifying force between hotels, local residents and the local authority. By transforming closed-off tourist strongholds into vibrant meeting places, Buurthotel introduces ‘co-tourism’: a model in which tourist facilities create local value for both visitors and residents. During the ‘Open Hotel Week’ event, which starts this coming Saturday, 27 June, words will be turned into action and participating Amsterdam hotels will open their doors to the neighbourhood. Residents can take part in unique workshops and learn from the expertise of hotel teams. Open Hotel Week runs from 27 June to 4 July 2026. Amsterdammers can register via Buurthotel.nlregister for the workshops. 

The city of Amsterdam experiences the enormous impact of the tourism industry on a daily basis. It was precisely here that the founders of Buurthotel spotted an untapped opportunity: the chance for hotels to make an even greater contribution to their immediate neighbourhood and, in doing so, to enhance the quality of life and social cohesion in the city. 

Back to the original tradition of hospitality

Laura Viaene, co-founder of Buurthotel, explains: “Historically, hotels fulfilled an important social function as meeting places where travellers and locals came together. As cities became more international and tourism grew, the focus of many hotels shifted towards temporary guests. Buurthotel builds on this original tradition of hospitality. After all, hotels already have the space, the time and the ultimate in hospitality at their disposal. Why shouldn’t we make much greater use of these facilities for the local community?”

She continues: “At a time when the recent increase in tourist tax is further fuelling the debate, there is a growing need for initiatives based not on conflict but on cooperation.”With Buurthotel, we want to contribute positively and constructively to the debate on the shortage of space and tourism in Amsterdam. We’re turning the hotel back into an open house for the neighbourhood, where everyone feels welcome.”

Co-tourism

As well as organising accessible activities, Buurthotel acts as a strategic partner for the city. Where discussions between hoteliers and the local council sometimes threaten to reach an impasse, Buurthotel understands and represents the positions of both sides. The initiative brings the various parties together to build something they call ‘co-tourism’.

Thomas van Leeuwen, co-founder of Buurthotel, says: “It is high time we started thinking differently about tourism. The current model of tourism is outdated and unsustainable. Due to seemingly conflicting interests, the tourism industry and local residents appear to be increasingly on a collision course. But we need to give much more thought to ways in which residents and hotels can join forces. Through co-tourism, we ensure that tourist facilities – whether they are hotels, attractions or even cruise ships – create value for both visitors and residents.”

Open Hotel Week

Open Hotel Week (27 June to 4 July) is a concrete example of how that value is created. During this week, hotel staff share their professional expertise with Amsterdam residents. It’s the perfect opportunity for Amsterdammers to pop into their local hotel and get a unique glimpse behind the scenes. 

Local residents can take part in a range of workshops, including:

• Make your own tea with tea sommelier Cecilia at Sofitel Legend The Grand (City Centre)
• Learn how to make the best sambal with Chef Rendy at Hotel Jakarta (East)
• Join the ‘Making a Bed’ workshop with Yudaisy and Douwe at Art Hotel (West)
• Discover the finer points of flower arranging with Mischa at NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market (City Centre)
• Make your own matcha with Jacco at the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station (City Centre)
• Tasting a selection of wines with sommelier Caesar at The July Boat & Co (West)
• Laughs at a stand-up comedy show at the Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam (City Centre)## 

You can register for the activities via Buurthotel.nl. Registrations for the workshops are pouring in: Buurthotel’s first major event is proving a hit with local residents in Amsterdam.

An ongoing mission

To build a lasting connection with the local community, Buurthotel has put together an annual calendar packed with activities. As well as Open Hotel Week, the programme includes Pride Amsterdam (August), Neighbours’ Day (September), ADE (October) and Hotels for Heroes (December), during which participating hotels will be there for the local community.

The strategic approach is proving successful: thanks to the enthusiasm shown by the sector, Buurthotel has now also launched in Rotterdam, and preparations are under way for international expansion into cities such as Barcelona and Berlin.