Online videos will be triggered when people in Britain start using specific search terms about Amsterdam amid an ongoing campaign to improve the reputation and image of the Dutch city.
Amsterdam has launched a digital campaign telling British tourists who want a “messy night” to “stay away”.
The online initiative is aimed at men aged 18 to 35, warning they face a fine alongside a criminal record and “fewer prospects” if they “misbehave and cause nuisance” in the Dutch city.
The warning videos will be triggered when people in Britain enter specific terms into search engines, including “cheap hotel Amsterdam”, “stag party Amsterdam”, and “pub crawl Amsterdam”.
Footage shows men being arrested in the street, having their fingerprints and mugshots taken, and being locked in a police cell.
The clip warns: “So coming to Amsterdam for a messy night? Stay away.”
The city’s council has launched the scheme as part of efforts to improve Amsterdam’s reputation amid continuing complaints by residents over the noise, drunkenness and misbehaviour.
Deputy Mayor Sofyan Mbarki said: “Visitors will remain welcome but not if they misbehave and cause nuisance.
“As a city, we are saying: we’d rather not have this, so stay away.”
The campaign will initially launch with Britain but will then be expanded to the Netherlands and other countries.