No marketing campaigns, but still crowded streets and TikTok must see
As tourism continues to surge across European cities, Amsterdam has become one of the most visible examples of the strain. With more than 20 million overnight stays in 2024 and projections nearing 30 million by 2027, the city has been dealing with overcrowded streets and TikTok 'must-see' queues, a changing city landscape and housing pressure.
All leading to growing frustration among residents. At the same time, AI is reshaping the tourism industry at a high pace. From chatbots and automated services to crowd-management tools and targeted marketing.
AI promises efficiency, yet it also raises urgent questions about the use of resources, inequality, data protection, and the kinds of social systems we are building. This Mini-Hackathon invites participants to explore a bold question: What would it take to make AI truly regenerative – or to imagine alternatives when it cannot be? Rather than accepting AI as an inevitable force, we challenge you to critically examine its risks and possibilities for Amsterdam's visitor economy.
Can AI help strengthen local communities, support fair governance, and reduce tourism's ecological footprint? Or do we need new 'post-AI' models that center human connection, creativity, and democratic values?
