Although Monnickendam, unlike Volendam and Marken, is not overrun by tourists, visitors are very welcome in the city of Waterland. Tourists are of great importance to the tourism sector and entrepreneurs, but what do the residents think? “Soon we will still be in a traffic jam on our bicycles.”
For Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren, one of the most famous attractions in Monnickendam, tourists are a welcome addition. The museum is currently struggling with the aftermath of corona. The museum is just barely above water. “We can pay the rent for the building, the heating and the light, but it would be nice if more visitors come,” said coordinator Jan Colaris.
Before the corona pandemic, the museum, located in the heart of Monnickendam, received many Chinese people. “Everything has been translated into Chinese, but now we hardly see them anymore.” Colaris thinks so foreign tourists opt for the well-known tour through the region more quickly. “That way they can see everything right away, that’s two birds with one stone.”
“We can pay the rent for the building, the heating and the light, but it would be nice if more visitors come”
Waterlandsmuseum de Speeltoren has one big advantage: it is the only bad weather facility in Monnickendam. Tourists can therefore always visit the museum, regardless of the weather. “Many tourists stay at Europarcs Poort van Amsterdam in Uitdam. When the weather is bad, they often climb on their bicycles for a day at the museum.”
Tourists are necessary
More tourism also offers opportunities for the catering industry. Especially in the summer months, catering entrepreneurs benefit from tourists who visit Monnickendam. “In the summer my terrace is packed with tourists,” says Rico de Rover, owner of Eetcafé de Ouwe Blauwe. He estimates that about 40 percent of visitors in July and August are tourists. “Tourists are necessary in the summer. Many Germans come by boat. Day-trippers from the region always know where to find the Ouwe Blauwe.”
“If four to five buses came here a day from Volendam and Marken, Monnickendam would lose its magic”
Nevertheless, De Rover hopes that tourism can be spread throughout the year. “I find it quite busy in the summer months and at weekends. If four to five buses a day from Volendam and Marken were to come here, Monnickendam would lose its magic and it would be at the expense of the living pleasure in the old town. do not want to.” Outside the high season, there are still many opportunities open to Monnickendam, thinks the catering entrepreneur. “It would be fantastic if tourists also flock to Monnickendam in the winter months. This way, tourism remains in balance.”
Traffic jam on the bike
In recent years, more and more shops have also disappeared from the streets in Monnickendam. One of the shops that you will still find in the old town is Style Fashion & Living. Owner Claudia Heldoorn notices that tourists take the trouble to visit the store. “People often walk in to take a look. There are of course not many shops here. Tourism is a nice extra addition for us.”
According to the shopkeeper, more tourism would be nice, but it should not be too crazy. “Maybe it’s because I live in the city center myself. Soon we’ll be in a traffic jam on the bike,” she says with a laugh. “That doesn’t seem like a good idea to me.”
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