How do we ensure that tourism not only attracts visitors, but also adds value to the city and its residents? And how does a fair and shared narrative about tourism emerge, one in which different interests, perspectives and experiences come together? Find out during the Positive Tourism Festival on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October at Pakhuis de Zwijger, Amsterdam.
A special moment
During this two-day event, organised by Hogeschool Inholland, the municipality of Amsterdam and Pakhuis de Zwijger, new perspectives on tourism take centre stage.
The festival marks the completion of two trajectories to which the Inholland research group New Urban Tourism made an important contribution: the European ConnACT project and the research project Shared Narrative Tourism Amsterdam.
Presentation of the new narrative
An important part of the festival is the presentation of the New Narrative on Tourism in Amsterdam. This narrative was developed by Hogeschool Inholland and the municipality of Amsterdam, together with a diverse group of residents, entrepreneurs, sector representatives, knowledge institutions, cultural institutions and policymakers.
The debate about tourism often focuses on negative effects, such as crowding, nuisance and pressure on liveability. At the same time, there is a growing need for a conversation about how tourism can actually contribute positively to Amsterdam. The new narrative offers a shared, forward-looking story with room for different perspectives. It invites people to look at tourism differently, to see opportunities and to jointly take responsibility for the future of the city.
On Wednesday evening, 7 October, alderman Melanie van der Horst (Economic Affairs) will receive the first copy of the new narrative. She will then take part in a conversation with, among others, Ko Koens, professor of New Urban Tourism at Hogeschool Inholland.
Why you don’t want to miss this
The Positive Tourism Festival brings together research, practice and policy around current issues concerning tourism, liveability and urban development. As an Inholland colleague, you’ll discover how researchers, residents, entrepreneurs and policymakers are working on this together. You’ll see how research insights find their way into policy and practice, and how collaboration leads to new perspectives and concrete impact.
Do you work in education, research or professional development on themes such as urban development, sustainability, participation, liveability or tourism? Then the festival offers plenty of inspiration, new perspectives and interesting encounters.
Programme and registration
Wednesday 7 October
1.30 – 5.30 pm
Afternoon programme (NL & EN) with an opening keynote, interactive sessions, workshops, exhibitions and a pioneers’ fair.
7.00 – 9.30 pm
Public evening programme with the presentation of the New Narrative on Tourism, the handover to alderman Melanie van der Horst, and a panel discussion with experts, researchers and policymakers. We’ll wrap up with a networking drink.
Thursday 8 October
9.30 am – 12.00 pm
Morning programme (EN) with various tours and excursions bringing the ideas and practical examples of positive tourism to life.
Registration
Want to join? Sign up now. We hope to welcome you on 7 and 8 October at the Positive Tourism Festival.
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