Volendam is known as a charming port city that represents the rich Dutch history. Through this, the city attracts many visitors from around and outside Europe. These visitors are wandering the cobblestone streets, look upon the old fishermen’s houses, and cross the quaint canals. Another thing they can, and many of these visitors do, is taking this trip a step further into the past.
Some places in Volendam offer visitors to get dressed up in traditional Dutch costumes and take pictures. Costumes, just like the one this little doll is wearing, will be supplied to anyone who books this experience. This experience comes with different variations of costumes, props, and backdrops. These pictures mimic a Dutch stereotype, that goes hand in hand with the significance of the costume itself. Tourists have the choice between the harbor, a tulip field, or an old fishermen’s kitchen, for example. Further, they can choose a prob, like a cheese wheel or a bouquet of tulips, to hold in their picture (Adventure, 2023). Each of these variables is representable for Dutch culture. The Tourist pictures are therefore loaded with signifiers that ensure one knows that this picture was taken in the Netherlands. Through this, the stereotypes that are associated with Dutch culture are further reinforced and reproduced.