The sex trade in the Netherlands draws participants and gawkers from around the globe. But the Dutch capital is now cracking down on guided tours to respect sex workers and ease congestion in the red-light district.
The first limits began Monday night with a ban on tours from 7 p.m., reports the Associated Press.
But the main opponents of Amsterdam’s ban are the workers it is intended to protect, reports The Sun.
One woman tweeted, “I am a sex worker in the Red Light District. And no, we are not happy with Amsterdam’s war on tourism.”
I am a sex worker in the Red Light District. And no, we are not happy with Amsterdam's war on tourism. The majority of our clientele are tourists. No tourist is no income for us.
— Felicia Anna (@feliciaanna27) March 20, 2019
Every week, more than 1,000 tours pass through Oudekerksplein, the red-light district’s central square, reports ABC News.
Amsterdam to ban guided tours of red light district. https://t.co/shVhI7sen9 pic.twitter.com/xXfz96ufm0
— ABC News (@ABC) March 28, 2019
The streets are often packed with visitors bathed in the famous red glow of the storefront windows. But some sex workers claim the guided tours bring order tot he chaos and educate tourists about the rules and etiquette of the district.
10 rules in the Red Light District of Amsterdam. https://t.co/LnqcgcMW5w#amsterdam #redlightdistrict #dewallen #rules
— Red Light District Amsterdam Tours (@RldTours) April 1, 2019
In fact, some tours are led by former sex workers. The Telegraph profiled these identical twins who now play a different role in the industry.
Looking for alternatives? A company that provides guided tours is hedging its bet with a self-guiding app. For less than $10, visitors can download the Amsterdam Red Light District Tours app and listen to experts relate the history of the city’s sex trade while strolling past the tantalizing window displays.
Prefer exploring #Amsterdam without a guide? Then this new travel-app is something for you! Hear real stories from sex workers, police men, historians, sexologists, archeologists, local residents & other experts with this GPS-guided audio-tour: https://t.co/IMFdHELM8z#travel pic.twitter.com/hE6tvcJmHs
— Amsterdam Red Light District (@RedlightTour) March 19, 2019
For tourists looking to skip the prostitution entirely and catch a movie, a new 5D cinema experience may be just the ticket.
First 5D Porn Cinema of the World in Amsterdam Red Light District https://t.co/t2tgxrb9un pic.twitter.com/PwNATE0hlB
— Amsterdam Red Light District (@RedlightTour) March 29, 2019
In addition to the three-dimensional images, 5D films add moving seats and special effects such as smoke and water. Porn actress Kim Holland assures that all senses are stimulated by the 5D experience, reports Amsterdam Red Light District Tours.
