The city of Amsterdam is attracting the whole world with its bizarre step. The city introduced the system of ‘fake marriage’.  

It is a way of attracting tourists and getting people together. The theme ‘Marry an Amsterdammer for a day’ has been launched by the city with the aim of getting tourists to interact with the locals.

The price for such a marriage varies. It starts at 100 pounds (approximately Rs 9,000) and increases depending on the services you want. Surprisingly after marriage, the honeymoon for a day is also included in the package.

The tourists bid for a listed bride or groom. Then a mock wedding ceremony is conducted at a shop in Amsterdam called ‘Wed&Walk’. The ceremony includes the presentation of flower bouquets, exchange of rings (not diamond though) and if you have the ability to spend a feast also where you can invite your friends and relatives. But then which ‘single’ tourist really moves around with friends and relatives.

True love, that may never happen within a day, but then why miss the chance of experiencing it. And about honeymoon - well first it has to be consensual if one wants physical activity. Otherwise ‘honeymoon’ is all about exploring the quiet and beautiful nooks in Amsterdam by the ‘newly-weds’. At the most a hug is permitted between the newly-weds… nothing more, unless permitted.

Well this innovative idea has been launched by the ‘Untourist Movement’ comprising over 200 social entrepreneurs, hotels and hostels to make Amsterdam a better destination for tourists.

By Sowmya Sangam