The 'Spreading Tourists Effectively' project focuses on reducing tourist pressure on overcrowded hotspots, by informing tourists about alternative, less visited locations. Traditional measures, such as adapting infrastructure, are often expensive, and alternatives such as entrance fees or reservation systems can be politically sensitive. The project proposes to inform tourists differently in order to influence their visiting behaviour. 

 

Previous studies, including the 'Experience Overijssel' project, have shown that informing tourists differently can be effective in spreading crowds without negatively affecting their holiday experience. This research is now being extended to the large cities of Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

 

The experiment uses different information channels, including an interactive hybrid chat ('Travel With Zoey'), to motivate tourists to explore less visited locations. GPS tracking and daily questionnaires measure the behaviour and experiences of the visitors. The project will run from late 2024 to mid-2026. Partners include Breda University of Applied Sciences, CELTH, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Travel With Zoey and the DMOs of Amsterdam and Copenhagen.