These cities have all tried to crack down on drunken Brits but are still seeing an increase in stag and hen do bookings.
Despite efforts to curb drunken British tourists and prevent alcohol-fuelled stag parties, three European destinations are witnessing a surge in bookings.
Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Albufeira in Portugal and Prague in the Czech Republic have all tried to deter boozy visitors from overwhelming their streets but, according to stag and hen do organiser Last Night of Freedom, these measures have had little impact.
Matt Mavir, managing director at the Tyneside-based company said: “Rules, fines and huge publicity campaigns – authorities in each of these cities have thrown everything at trying to discourage revellers from choosing their city to party, but it hasn’t done a fantastic job.
“Our customers aren’t being scared off and the numbers prove it. In fact, these destinations are becoming more popular than ever.”
Amsterdam led the charge in 2023, becoming the first of the three cities to launch a campaign targeting rowdy tourists.
The Dutch capital banned drinking on the streets and cannabis consumption in public, restricted access to the Red Light District and launched an online warning campaign specifically aimed at British men.
Prague followed suit by attempting to prohibit fancy dress and pub crawls throughout the city centre, whilst earlier this year Albufeira joined the crackdown.
The Portuguese resort town introduced a new code of conduct imposing on-the-spot fines for drunkenness, excessive noise and anti-social behaviour.
Yet, despite these measures, large numbers of British men and women are still booking their stag and hen parties in these destinations.
In reality, all three locations have seen a surge in reservations, reports the Express.
Prague has climbed from fifth to third most sought-after destination, Amsterdam has risen from ninth to seventh, and Albufeira has made its debut this year at number six.
Matt suggested this demonstrates that Brits remain undeterred. “The headlines can make it sound as though stag dos are being pushed out, but that just isn’t happening,” he said.
He added: “Each city is trying to change its image and attract a different type of tourist – more couples and families and fewer big groups heading straight to the bars and nightclubs.
“But I think what the authorities forget is that they’re often the same people. Our stags aren’t some fringe group – they’re just normal people with jobs, relationships and children who are looking for somewhere to celebrate with their mates.”
