What's it like to live with tourists?

**jah_yout** · 04-15-2010, 08:13 PM

Re: What's it like to live with tourists?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's it like to live with tourists?</div></div>

it suxx

they always walk real slow when i'm in a rush...especially on west 34th street, grand central, & downtown

**Marilyn** · 04-15-2010, 11:52 PM

Re: What's it like to live with tourists?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jah_yout</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's it like to live with tourists?</div></div>

it suxx

they always walk real slow when i'm in a rush...especially on west 34th street, grand central, & downtown </div></div>

**JamBrit** · 04-16-2010, 10:57 AM

Re: What's it like to live with tourists?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Marielle</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Q3210</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You Mainites have that little sound of the British.
Beeah and -ah after almost after all things-ah </div></div>

And if you're from London, you say Innit? after everything.... </div></div>

In London they say "yeah" after everything...."if you go down that street, <span style="font-weight: bold">yeah</span>, you'll come by the corner shop, <span style="font-weight: bold">yeah</span>, and you'll see a big sign that says to let, <span style="font-weight: bold">yeah</span>....

**Bizzy** · 04-16-2010, 11:43 AM

Re: What's it like to live with tourists?

BOAl. a true...

**evanovitch** · 04-16-2010, 02:47 PM

responses to the article ,,ck di one re Jamaica

PreviousNext1. At 1:00pm on 07 Apr 2010, patti in cape coral wrote:

Hi Ros, I listened to some of your story yesterday, very interesting. I feel the whole point of traveling to another place is to experience that place as it is, its culture and people, not a souped-up version of it. So if I travel to Patagonia and they drink beer warm there, I'm not going to demand ice (really, I don't know if this is true, probably a bad example, but I can't think of anything else). I can understand the irritation with tourists who demand the comforts of home, if that is the case, they should have stayed home. When I go to Barranquilla I live as a Colombian. Not to say that I don't miss my central air conditioning, but enduring the heat, roosters crowing at the crack of early, loud music all hours of the night, all of it, is part of the laid back attitude of the tropical coast and I wouldn't exchange it for any amount of air conditioning.

It reminds me of a Faulty Towers episode where an American tourist was at the hotel, got there after hours when the kitchen was closed, and demanded a filet mignon and a Waldorf salad, without looking at a menu. Poor Basil didn't even know what a Waldorf salad was.

Complain about this comment

2. At 1:20pm on 07 Apr 2010, delfino wrote:
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

3. At 2:06pm on 07 Apr 2010, S C MEHTA wrote:
Yeah, it does, but not to the poor/deprived. And, by the way, the culture you're talking about does not exist at the beaches or the scenic/serene spots.

Complain about this comment

4. At 2:10pm on 07 Apr 2010, steve wrote:
I can think of an example, Thailand, which pretty much relies on Tourism, but has lots of political instability, which probably scares off a lot of tourists, so I'm sure it impacts Thailand financially that tourists keep away during periods of instability.

Complain about this comment

5. At 2:15pm on 07 Apr 2010, mountaingirl wrote:
Tourism in Zambia has priced to locals out of the market. The average Zambian can not afford to see the 'sights' in their own country! Many, if not most, have never even seen a 'wild' animal which the country is so well known for, as they are tucked away in the National Parks that the average Zambian can not afford to visit.

Complain about this comment

6. At 2:15pm on 07 Apr 2010, steve wrote:
Also, tourism isn't limited to the developing world. Many places in the US rely heavily on tourism, like Hawaii, Florida, and DC. There are tons and tons of tourists here in DC, especially now during the Cherry Blossom thing. They can be quite annoying on public transport, but are good for the economy

Complain about this comment

7. At 2:17pm on 07 Apr 2010, PilotDan wrote:
Patti in Cape Coral has it right. Unless one is going for pure relaxation to lay on a beach and veg-out, one needs to "become part of the indigenous culture".
I have traveled the world and read up on the countries I was to visit. I have a good ear for languages and was able to speak the basic language of the country I visited and enjoyed eating some of the local foods.
The payoff was not so much in the experience but as America is a country of immigrants I understood better the people who emigrated here from any number of the countries I visited.
Tourism is a great vehicle to break down barriers between peoples but there is always the fool who wants the Waldorf Salad.

Complain about this comment

8. At 2:34pm on 07 Apr 2010, peter Githinji wrote:
Yes it does bring positive change,i personally grew up in a tourist resort area,i learned a lot from tourists,not only do you learn about other cultures,but you get a different viewpoint on what others think and make about your country.why do people restrict their opinion on beach?tourism is not limited to beaches only.

Complain about this comment

9. At 2:53pm on 07 Apr 2010, Pancha Chandra wrote:
Tourism in general brings in a lot of revenue. Tourists visit countries spending their hard-earned money visiting countries, places for pleasure while the hosts provide accommodation, services and entertainment. Tourists chose spots either because of the scenic beauty, or because of the special appeal like architectural beauty; hospitality and special warmth of the people; special cuisine or simply because of the shopping opportunities: bargaining etc. Having a holiday of a life-time is so therapeutic. Governments realise in terms of revenue of the importance of drawing visitors to their lands and treating tourists hospitably. Huge sums are spent on advertising. One just needs to follow the advertisements with catchy tunes on CNN extolling the beautiful landscapes in Malaysia or Croatia for example.The pros outweigh the cons. With globalisation, barriers are being broken; people are learning to live with others with different cultures, habits, religions and ways of life. The whole experience is a learning experience. The down-sides of tourism are of course there with crass materialism taking centre-stage! But people should learn to live with one another in an enlightened ways.

Complain about this comment

10. At 2:53pm on 07 Apr 2010, T wrote:
Handled the right way, yes. But it's common knowledge that many people still don't like coming to the States because of the airport screenings. That's one reason why Chicago didn't get the last Olympics (despite Obama's pitch for it).

Complain about this comment

11. At 2:55pm on 07 Apr 2010, Ibrahim in UK wrote:
Different tourists have different plans. Some just want a beach, some want partying, some want culture (and some a mixture of all), but everyone wants to feel safe and welcomed. That's the demand side. The supply side will try to meet and exaggerate these demands. I think the trouble is when the local economy is too dependent on tourism, so communities have to market themselves as tourist-friendly and are obliged to adapt to foreign expectations, which creates resentment and backlash. Residents on an otherwise quiet island may not like the rowdy partying that the tourism season brings, but how much can they afford to complain?

Complain about this comment

12. At 3:01pm on 07 Apr 2010, mountaingirl wrote:
Tourism is actually a very difficult juggling act in a developing country; the money brought in and the jobs created are welcome. But there are down sides.

In a country like Zambia, the fact that people are interested in the wildlife (for game viewing or hunting) makes it worth preserving to local population because of the revenue it will bring in.

But, the flip side of tourism is the rising prices in tourist areas, increased corruption in tourist related govt departments, and often the marginalising of local cultures where the local population oftens become little more than a 'sideshow' act in 'traditional dance nights' and 'craft villages'

I believe that a tourist has a duty to learn about a country before they go there. I have seen topless women on the beach in India that have greatly offended the local population. I have seen tourists so ignorant of the basic facts, that I have been asked if elephants lay eggs. I have seen female European tourists, seemingly ignorant of the AIDS epedemic, take up with local men on the beaches of Zanzibar. I have seen a tourist spit out gum in the Potala Palace in Tibet. I have seem a tourist steal a bell out of a Hindu shrine in the Himalayas. Tourists must respect the culture, environment, history and traditions of the places they visit, and if they can't do that then perhaps they should holiday in places where such things don't matter... perhaps in their own homes!

Tourist money can not always buy everything and is not always welcome!

Complain about this comment

13. At 3:01pm on 07 Apr 2010, BruceMcCoy wrote:
I am an American and I studied in Argentina for a summer. I found my host family and teachers, as well as many other people I met there, to be warm and welcoming. However, I also received some less than kind treatment from people in some restaurants and stores. This may have been nothing more than common xenophobia, or it could be a reaction to America's negative involvement in Argentina's recent economic crisis.

Complain about this comment

14. At 3:26pm on 07 Apr 2010, Donnamarie in Switzerland wrote:
Tourism has been an important part of Switzerland's economy for centuries. Because people come here to see the natural beauty and ancient culture (we have been a democracy for over 700 years), we do not have huge tourist resorts--only so many people can ski down an alp at once, for example. All construction in Switzerland is strictly regulated, and planning permission simply isn't given for proposed tourist destinations that are out of keeping with the local character (the exceptions are the large cities.) There are a number of excellent hotel/restaurant schools, and I know a number of Swiss who work in the tourist industry.

The tourist industry in this country is well-run, profitable for the Swiss, agreeable for the visitor, and with few exceptions does not intrude into the daily lives of we Swiss who have nothing to do with tourists.

Complain about this comment

15. At 3:30pm on 07 Apr 2010, Robyn Carter Lexington KY wrote:
I think tourism has its ups and downs. I lived France for a year and took the advice from my father (3 years in Germany-Air Force). Respect the country you are in and their way of doing things. As long as you don't compromise yourself, go with the flow. I saw many rude tourists from many different countries. I agree with earlier comments, that many people complain if they can't have comforts of home or that the locals don't speak English. I learned to speak French since I was a guest in their country. One of my coolest experiences was standing in the main lobby of the Louvre Museum and listening to at least 20 different languages echoing off the walls. I am like the guy in Miami, its cool.

Complain about this comment

16. At 3:36pm on 07 Apr 2010, steve wrote:
"Handled the right way, yes. But it's common knowledge that many people still don't like coming to the States because of the airport screenings. That's one reason why Chicago didn't get the last Olympics (despite Obama's pitch for it)."

Always got to have some USA bashing in any topic. I have a feeling that airport screenings were not an issue when it came to deciding who gets the olympics.

Complain about this comment

17. At 3:38pm on 07 Apr 2010, tamatoa wrote:
Tourism means a country has something worth everperiencing. Through tourism you get the means to develop or preserve it while at the same time you support the local economy.
As in every debate like this, the important word is moderation. Try to preserve things in a way that future generations can still profit from it. In today's world of extremes of rich and poverty this can be very difficult. At times even impossible. Tourism can't always compensate the locals adequatly in order to satisfy the demand. Therefore tourism becomes a luxury. Tourism becomes elitist even though all nature tourist attractions must be accessible to every human being.
In the end, I'd say that the current social situation makes this problem unsolvable in every location. We must also not forget that the local government makes a choice and needs to answer to their children and humanity.

Complain about this comment

18. At 3:50pm on 07 Apr 2010, Martin Alejandro Carmona Selva wrote:
Hello!

Tourism is HIGHLY important here in Spain.

As you may know, now that the construction bubble ended, we only have tourism as our main source of "capital generation".

To be honest, when you live in Barcelona, you usually get sick of so many tourist, but then, you praise them for all the good they bring to the city -even when they are drunk and pee on the street-!

Complain about this comment

19. At 3:56pm on 07 Apr 2010, Linda from Italy wrote:
Where I live, the SW coast of Italy, about 100k from Naples, tourism is the ONLY industry, along with the Mafia of course.
It has pros and cons, the latter mainly the creation of nothing but low-paid, short-term seasonal jobs, mostly part of the “unofficial” economy, and the August invasion, usually from in and around Naples when the whole of Italy goes on holiday. During August, the beach is packed and the sand and shallow water get progressively dirtier with a film of suntan oil you can see and feel if you are rash enough to go swimming so most of us locals don’t go anywhere the beach then. August is also prone to unannounced power cuts and the disappearance of the water supply because the powers that be, despite all the extra money sloshing around from this industry are unable to develop the urban infrastructure to cope with the extra zero (at least) you can add to the population during the summer.
Local business people have a love hate relationship with the invaders, they moan ceaselessly about them and their “bad manners”, so they feel quite justified, and indeed gleeful about ripping them off in bucket loads, one price for us and another (double) for them and they are quite happy to let out a two-bed flat to sleep about ten with no services whatsoever, then shopkeepers moan when the tourists arrive with cars packed to the hilt with food for their holidays because the local shops are so expensive – they even bring their own supplies of pasta, not to mention one beer and 5 straws syndrome!
There is a more tolerant attitude to foreign tourists, mainly Germans, Dutch, Brits and now a smattering of Russians, mainly because they come off season and not in hoards and they are perceived as more polite and a lot richer than the Napolitani. They come by air so can’t possibly bring their own food and as they stay in hotels not apartments, they do tend to spend in cafes and bars.
This place would die without tourism but I can’t say it’s seen as much of a blessing, just one of those things you have to put up with in the summer, like wasps and mosquitoes.

Complain about this comment

20. At 4:03pm on 07 Apr 2010, Bert wrote:
Interesting point, Ros. It depends where the tourism. In some places, like Wash DC, Rome, Paris, Athens, Moscow, Shanghai, I believe tourists go to discover what's there, experience the culture, see the historical sites. But in other places, Daytona Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Jamaica, the Bahamas, tourists go mostly to enjoy the weather and the presence of other like-minded tourists. Sping break comes to mind in such places.

The Greek islands, perhaps, would be a bit of both.

In Wash DC, tourists start appearing in large numbers every April. I only wish they would all be schooled on "Metro etiquette." Some are, actually, others not. Stand on the right of the escalators, please. We are not in a department store. We have connections to make. That aside, I actually enjoy watching them having fun.

Also, some places sort of "belong to the world," in a sense. It's good to have people from all over learn about them, experience them, and generally spread the word. Like Rome, for example.

Complain about this comment

21. At 4:14pm on 07 Apr 2010, steve wrote:
@ Bert

It's not just that, they stop in front of, and after the escalators, blocking everyone, causing pileups, they do the same thing at the "turnstyles". It's apparently too complicated for them to insert the farecard into the machine. If you want to see horrible, go to the Woodley Park/Zoo metro. it's a nightmare.

Complain about this comment

22. At 4:29pm on 07 Apr 2010, Linda from Italy wrote:
Having slagged off my local friends for mistreating poor tourists, I do have to put the other side of the coin. As a Brit, but very much an honorary local, the behaviour of foreigners, especially Brits does amaze me on occasions, this is not Rimini but a very parochial and extremely Southern Italian place. We have a glorious coastline, are bang in the middle of a stunningly beautiful national park with lots of archaeological treasures to boot. The food and lifestyle is 100% S. Italian so when I hear people complaining about buses not running on time, the total (thank God) absence of hamburgers and other junk food, lunatic drivers who have never heard of an indicator and the fact that virtually no one speaks more than a few words of English, I wonder why they came here in the first place. This is S. Italy where the sun always shines, your kids, no matter how badly behaved, are welcome everywhere and at any time, the food is truly divine, I challenge anyone to go to PizzaHut after the real thing, and at least you get ripped off with charm and a smile – it’s the culture, learn a smattering of the language, chill out and enjoy!
A quote from a Brit on holiday some years ago: “don’t like these prawns – they’re too fishy”, ‘nuff said.

Complain about this comment

23. At 4:30pm on 07 Apr 2010, clamdip lobster claws wrote:
It's a double edged sword. Hawaii depends on tourist dollars and keeps Hawaiians employed but deep in the Hawaiian psyche is the desire to keep the islands natural and country like. Tourists also kill the coral reefs by stepping on and touching the delicate corals and the Honu (sea turtles) are endangered and dissapearing.Hawaiians need the revenue but not the headache.

Complain about this comment

24. At 4:42pm on 07 Apr 2010, nora wrote:
In the Santa Cruz mountains, tourists and logging are the two main sources of income -- that is if you do not count marijuana cultivation. The rainy season is characterized by unemployment and alcoholism. In California, what choice do we have but love the tourists or become bitter?

Complain about this comment

25. At 4:50pm on 07 Apr 2010, Ibrahim in UK wrote:
@steve

Oh that can get so annoying! Tourists in London (or any non-Londoner in London) really stick out like a sore thumb. They don't know the "rules" of walking... often stopping and changing direction or zigzagging, and they all congregate at the top/bottom of the steps and escalators (to discuss something or other) or at the doorway... and then complain why Londoners are so uptight the whole time :-)

Complain about this comment

26. At 5:01pm on 07 Apr 2010, Alan in AZ wrote:
After my first visit to Amsterdam I feel in love with the culture, people and customs. I learned a little Nederlands before I went to be polite in greetings if nothing else. Since that first trip, I've taking great pleasure in learning more of their customs, language and life in the Netherlands. I've found that the Dutch are very appreciative and excepting of me each time I go back for vacation, just for the fact that I've made an effort to learn and understand more about them. I'll never speak good Dutch, but I try and they like it. It quickly becomes obvious I'm there for more than a weekend of drinking and debauchery and I'm treated more like a local than a tourist.

Now when I travel to unfamiliar countries, I make an extra effort to learn as much as I can about the local customs, peoples, societal attitudes and problems and a little language if I have some time. Initially it was for my benefit, but I've found it benefits my dealings as a tourist and how they see me and my country. It pays respect to the country I'm visiting and shows as an example of myself, my culture and my countries way of life to them.

Complain about this comment

27. At 5:07pm on 07 Apr 2010, Abdelilah Boukili in Morocco wrote:
Tourism is one of the pillars of the Moroccan economy. A crisis in tourism means ensuing crisis in the sectors linked to it, especially getting hard currency.

Marrakesh city can't survive without tourism as it counts for up of a third of the 8 million tourists that come to Morocco every year. It's true tourism create jobs, but its drawback for the local inhabitants is that Marrakesh has become one of the most expensive cities in Morocco, especially in terms of lodging.

In Marrakesh people have become accustomed to having tourists around them. Traditional houses are now used as guest houses to give tourists a local flavour instead of staying in modern hotels. Many tourists appreciate them as they allow them to be in the centre of the reality of the place instead of staying in big hotels in the new parts of the city.

Concerning identity, the Moroccans don't feel threatened. Marrakesh has been the home of Jews , 30,000 in the past. Now there are just about 150 of them as well as the Europeans who come to live in it and to adapt to its culture instead of seeking to alter it.

In short, tourism should be used as a bridge between peoples of different cultures and religions and not just an economic activity with the sole aim of making as much money as possible.

Complain about this comment

28. At 5:49pm on 07 Apr 2010, gary indiana wrote:
I find it interesting and pleasant that small, inefficient, personable, and beautiful can compete effectively with big, rich, efficient and impersonal. Of course everyone gets changed by the competitive process and the prevalent direction is unfortunately towards efficiency and ugliness.
g

Complain about this comment

29. At 6:01pm on 07 Apr 2010, Inglenda2 wrote:
The Teutonic forests of Germany offer a great variety of interesting areas for tourists, but a basic knowledge of the local language is required to enjoy these possibilities to the greatest extent. Tourists are very welcome and other than in Brighton – the area of my childhood – it is not only the tourist’s money that counts. Just the opposite, in Bielefeld for example, the local authorities provide extra cheap day tickets for trams and busses.

Having a German number plate on my car has provided me with a number of experiences in England which were not always very pleasant. The attempt to charge me too much for petrol in Dover, the refusal of a traffic warden to allow me to unload my luggage in front of my hotel in Brighton, or just the rude hand signs made by passing British drivers certainly help to show that foreign tourists are not really wanted. Only their cash is welcome.

People in both states however – not without reason – are wary of those foreigners who enter the country in order to plunder the social system and it is not always quite clear who is who. That means that Expats like myself are often looked upon with suspicion, therefore I can only recommend that British persons, whether just touring or intending to work overseas, do take an active interest in local people and their culture.

In Britain itself, I would ask my fellow countrymen, not to judge people by the car they are driving. There are thousands of us, either in the army, or otherwise trying to make living all across Europe. Much of the money earned helps to stop our country going completely Bankrupt.

Complain about this comment

30. At 6:03pm on 07 Apr 2010, nora wrote:
Sex tourism is a real problem. Lots of it goes from Europe to Asia. Contemplating positive change, what have we done to reduce the sexual exploitation of children in tourist destinations?

Complain about this comment

31. At 6:08pm on 07 Apr 2010, Myra_B wrote:
I think different people look for different experiences from their travels. Some people are happy to sit by the beach and have their photos taken standing in front of the the tallest skyscraper. Others are interested in the culture, history and the people of the places they visit and will seek out activities that will engage them on these levels.

Complain about this comment

32. At 6:13pm on 07 Apr 2010, EchoRose in Florida wrote:
In my state (in the U.S.) we are ALL about attracting tourist's money. While we appreciate the money it brings, there are cons to it like traffic, congestion, and lack of respect for the environment. That being said, I think people should respect where they visit, and if you aren't interested in the way of life, people or natural habitat of the place your visiting, why visit in the first place? All in all, we take the good with the bad.

Complain about this comment

33. At 6:15pm on 07 Apr 2010, EchoRose in Florida wrote:
Also, it's a running joke that just about everyone who lives in Florida came from somewhere else, so we don't mind visitors as we would see ourselves as hypocrites.

Complain about this comment

34. At 6:17pm on 07 Apr 2010, subra wrote:
Tourism is high income earner for my country in hard currency. This has helped my country immensely and the quality of life has improved significantly.The Mauritians are very affable and the tourists also behave in the same manner. Hence there is no love lost. Tourists are welcome everywhere by all.
Some problems of drugs, prostitution and price rises, are present but they are generally overlooked. Our sea resorts are still not polluted and hotels are constantly renovated to raise standards.
It has definitely brought lots of positive changes.

Complain about this comment

35. At 6:18pm on 07 Apr 2010, Alex wrote:
As a waiter in Fort Myers Florida, I am in the middle of tourism industry. I see people from all over the country and world every day. In my experience the people that travel to Florida do not care about its culture especially those from Europe who majority of time are some of the rudest individuals. They only care about the beach.

Also in Florida because of the tourist industry we see a lot of people who end up moving to our state, and bring their ideologies with them. Especially in the elderly community who happen to be republicans for the most part, so that has done some harm to our education system, and has limited recreation for Florida’s youth, As well as brought an imbalance to our state’s political system where now because of retirees migrating to Florida it has become an extremely conservative state.

Complain about this comment

36. At 6:25pm on 07 Apr 2010, Tom D Ford wrote:
I live in what used to be a logging and mill town with great family wage paying Union jobs but which has become a tourist resort town with very low wage paying servant-industry jobs. It is a great place to live but the locals are getting priced out of town by very wealthy second house buyers.

On question that always runs through my mind is: "why have tourists so crappified their own home towns that they feel they have to escape to my home town"? Why don't they make their own home towns a great place to live so they can stay home and enjoy it instead of coming here and messing up my town and making it crappy like theirs?

They have ruined the skiing, the fishing, the hunting, the mountain bike riding, ruined the whole small town feel that we all used to feel connected to each other and proud of each other families and children.

Complain about this comment

37. At 6:26pm on 07 Apr 2010, patti in cape coral wrote:
I'm in Cape Coral, right next to Fort Myers, and I have to agree with Alex as far as the elderly community goes, and the lack of recreation for Florida's youth. I also lament how far right Florida has become, I would be happier if it was closer to the middle. I can't say that Europeans have been the rudest individuals, though. I have met several Germans who were very nice, and spoke english. I wonder how many of us Americans would learn to speak German before we went to visit them.

Complain about this comment

38. At 6:28pm on 07 Apr 2010, Alex wrote:
alex on the air is wrong, where one can smoke marijuana in amsterdam. Its not tolerated in the united states, so you cant do it here.

Complain about this comment

39. At 6:32pm on 07 Apr 2010, Jill wrote:
I recently had a friend who went to a Sandals resort in Jamaica on her honeymoon. She commented that they were not allowed (or largely discouraged) from going out into the "rest" of the country, arguing that it was too dangerous, etc. Instead, they stayed in the resort compound, waited on (assumedly) by Jamaicans. I am disgusted by these resorts that offer American tourists an "authentic" experience which I feel borders on neocolonialism and exploitation. Why shouldn't the experience of tourism include the introduction to local cultures and actual interaction and discourse, so that tourists might become more educated, not just pampered? These resorts perpetuate the us/them relationship that makes me extremely uncomfortable.

Complain about this comment

40. At 6:34pm on 07 Apr 2010, Kate M wrote:
I grew up in a tourism driven city, Myrtle Beach, SC (Southeastern, US). Without the money tourism brings in there would be no Myrtle Beach. I love and hate tourist for they same reasons most people do. They can be mean, rude, and demanding. I could tell some horror stories about tourist behavior. They can also be polite and friendly. I love my hometown, for that reason I appreciate the tourist who visit.
A word of advice to travelers - Be nice to the locals. They can tell you the best places to visit and which hotels to avoid. They can also help you get discounts. So don't pick on locals or their home.

Complain about this comment

41. At 6:38pm on 07 Apr 2010, Alex wrote:
Hi Patti, I have never had any problems communicating with people from germany. They are a majority of the one that are demanding when they are being waited on, and they hardly ever say please or thank you. I know being polite isnt just an american idea. One time I even had a group of british individuals who decided to quiz me on my american history just to see if i fit into the stupid american sterotype. I have never been more ofendend waiting on a table as I was by that one.

Complain about this comment

42. At 6:39pm on 07 Apr 2010, EchoRose in Florida wrote:
To answer your question about rudeness, I certainly would bite my tongue because my job would be on the line...however, I only find that tourists are rude to me in the capacity of my job, and not in my capacity as a resident. I think visitors feel more inclined to speak to you however they want, as long as they think of you as "serving THEM"

Complain about this comment

43. At 6:39pm on 07 Apr 2010, nathan kirk wrote:
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

44. At 6:41pm on 07 Apr 2010, patti in cape coral wrote:
Wherever you happen to be, you represent your country and nationality, so it is in everyone's best interest to be polite and friendly, tourists and hosts. As an American, I don't want a host to think "Oh no, here comes that arrogant and difficult american tourist." I'm sure a host country doesn't want to hear, "I'll never go back to that place, everyone was so cold, and rude, and tried to overcharge me. It's as simple as respect.

Complain about this comment

45. At 6:42pm on 07 Apr 2010, Tom D Ford wrote:
Rude tourists? We call them MPAs, Metropolitan [censored] Ants.

Of course one such rude MPA responded with, "well you're just an AFL".

There is no need to be rude to locals. And locals ought to just use our facilities on the days when the MPAs are not around to bug us so that we are not rude to them. Let the tourists have the weekends and let the locals have their home towns during the week and the non-holidays, the off season.

Complain about this comment

46. At 6:43pm on 07 Apr 2010, Abdelilah Boukili in Morocco wrote:
Concerning the gentleman on the show who visited Marrakesh, I assured him that Morocco is open to tourists of different cultures . Tourists are freer than than the locals when it comes to certain types of behaviour like exchanging kisses even in a crowded place like Jamaa El Fna square. At least no tourists, especially of the opposite sex, are sent to jail for showing affection in public, contrary to the case in the Gulf states where tourists are sent to jail for kissing in public. The recent case was in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8602449.stm

Complain about this comment

47. At 6:44pm on 07 Apr 2010, Phyllis wrote:
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

48. At 6:46pm on 07 Apr 2010, jennifer_decasterle wrote:
I live on a minute island in the Indian Ocean which is extremely beautiful but impoverished. The population would be delighted to have the volume of tourism that some people are complaining about.

Complain about this comment

49. At 6:47pm on 07 Apr 2010, punund wrote:
I would like to to recommend to those who considers trip to Latvia mainly because of its perceived abundance of cheap alcohol and accessible women to refrain from your trip. Tourism is important for us, but you are not welcome here.

Complain about this comment

50. At 6:49pm on 07 Apr 2010, nora wrote:
As a cocktail waitress in San Francisco years ago, I found that many tourists thought I was on the menu. Despite country of origin.

Complain about this comment

51. At 6:49pm on 07 Apr 2010, patti in cape coral wrote:
Wow Alex, that is pretty rude, and so unnecessary. It would be very humiliating to me, considering I don't remember any of my american history, so they would end up going home telling everyone that americans are really as ignorant as they thought.

Complain about this comment

52. At 6:51pm on 07 Apr 2010, Muffy wrote:
Living in Naples Florida, we live and breathe because of our tourists. Sometimes they do drive us crazy, but we endure because they have kept many people employed. Conversely, there are a lot of empty second homes that are draining the economy because of tourists who cannot afford the loan payments and upkeep on them. It's really a mixed blessing right now with no real answer

Complain about this comment

53. At 6:52pm on 07 Apr 2010, Mr Kawakubo wrote:
+ There are many kinds of tourists, they are like any other group of people: varied. Some are sophisticated, some are tacky, some are polite, some are obnoxious. You only really notice the objectionable tourists, so, they are an easy target. There are many tourists out there that never get labeled as 'outsiders,' because they fit right in!

Complain about this comment

54. At 6:55pm on 07 Apr 2010, YasmeenAriff wrote:
Sorry I came into this discussion in the middle. I feel that any tourist visiting any country needs to keep in mind the mores of the country being visited. I don't think the natives of the country need to fall over backwards to accommodate the tourist. If the tourist wishes to participate in any cultural event then they should do so without being pushy or misbehaving. If they misbehave or act disruptive then they should be ready to face the consequences. An ugly tourist no matter from which country is an ugly tourist.

Complain about this comment

55. At 6:59pm on 07 Apr 2010, Tom D Ford wrote:
How about remembering why you chose to live in your own home town and falling in love with it all over again and then taking a vacation to your own home town? It used to be a great place to live, why not make it great again?

Complain about this comment

56. At 7:05pm on 07 Apr 2010, Nancy Mitchell wrote:
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

57. At 7:23pm on 07 Apr 2010, Bob Figone wrote:
Patti in Cape Coral has it right. To experience life as it is wherever you visit brings the most fulfillment for yourself and the people you interact with. I have traveled nationally and internationally extensively over the years and one technique I have always used is to go for long runs daily (without headphones). Wherever I have traveled these runs allow me to experience the real feelings of where I am using all of my senses. Only then do I really think I can begin to understand the culture that I visit.

Great job on this topic Ros.
Anything I can do here in West Linn, Oregon for WHYS (just out of downtown Portland on the Willamette River) to help the show, just ask. I am still looking for a job by the way. If any of you folks are looking for someone for anything, check me out. It is just me and my 6 year old son Nick and we listen almost everyday right now.
Cheers!

Complain about this comment

58. At 7:25pm on 07 Apr 2010, Archibald652 wrote:

I think that the impacts of tourism, positive or negative has a lot to do with the way in which the government has managed the influx. I come from a very small town on the eastern coast of Canada that is part of the Cabot trail. As tourism has increased, many towns have expanded their road systems to accommodate, but, this has had a negative effect on local intimacy and geographic charm. In addition, historic landmarks have been turned into destination points totally devoid of the original surroundings which had made them "special" in the first place. Locals are all grateful for the increase in seasonal revenues, yet, echo much of the commentary on this blog about the insensitive and oblivious, "ugly" nature of widespread tourism.

Complain about this comment

59. At 7:30pm on 07 Apr 2010, Cabe UK wrote:
There really are no set rules in tourism! It depends who YOU are and where you go! As long as visitors follow the laws and the host supplies decent amenities, safety and guidance, then people should be able to visit how they like. I think the majority just want to visit and view without too much discomfort to themselves which means they bring their routine with them and it can't be helped, it is how they feel 'safe'! But saying that, I think young people are more adventurous in what they are willing to sacrifice for their 'experiences' and most tourists are quite naive about EVERYthing and WANT to be told what to do!
I learnt s a has-been tourist, that even though I was tiny in a very large World, an accepted middle-view existed that everyone could understand and travel helped you tap into it. And, as a *host* I definitely learnt a lot ! My family were tourists who settled in India and then lived in the UK's Portabello Road Market for nearly 30 years before moving on... and as a flower-child I experienced a cook-pot of every multiculture, character and fashion the world had to offer but all in one place! This not only influenced me but influenced both my parents who were pretty straight when we moved there, but totally radical, cool and laid-back when we left (sometimes more laid-back than I was as a 15 year old!) and became more fashionalble than me! This would never have happened if we moved to a quiet urban Surrey!
Its a shame that 'Brits' show up as total Tw/ats abroad, but they do at home as well so it must be... not the whole culture but (and I'm sorry to have to say this -) the 'type' that are out-of-control and immature. The UK is quite a rich country yet we still need tourism. Our Monarchy and its estates are the vanguard of our tourist industry yet our tourist trade would suffer big time if all the anti-royalists got their way and got rid of the Queen!

Complain about this comment

60. At 7:34pm on 07 Apr 2010, steve wrote:
Canadian tourists are hilarious. The first thing they say is they are canadian, because they don't want people to think they are American, and every third word is "Canada" or "Canadian". When I'm abroad, I never talk about the US or America, let alone it being every third word I say.

Complain about this comment

61. At 7:47pm on 07 Apr 2010, Iddi Musyemi wrote:
Tourism in Kenya has been both a promise and a predicament. The opportunity of local population interacting with foreigners has had a profound effect of bringing in a new view in life. For example, in the coastal areas of Kenya where the locals once depended on subsistence farming and inter-community trade, tourism has become the most important source of employment and economic activity. With the influx of more tourists in the coast, hotels and cottages have been built to house them, restaurants and roads have been built where none existed and a whole lot of other industries, especially artisans, have been able to find a place to sell their wares.
However, things have not been rosy for the locals. The value of properties have rocketed making areas frequented by tourists the most expensive in terms of rents and daily needs. Cultural values have also been eroded by money value as more people engage in practices that are considered taboo by their traditions. There has been an increase in drug abuse by the locals who get the drugs from tourists, increase in prostitution and homosexuality among many vices.
It would be better if tourist took time to understand local cultures and respect them. But then tourists go to places of their choice with the intentions that take them there. For those coming for sun, sand and sea they wouldn’t really be bothered with anything else. For those coming to do other things, well, they will just do that!

Complain about this comment

62. At 8:02pm on 07 Apr 2010, Robert in Indiana wrote:
I watched 1970's Indianapolis turn itself around by putting tourism (mostly through sports) to use as not just a boost to the economy, but as a draw to sell our other plusses. Not just shipping and agriculture, but industries like life sciences, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. That tourist income not only employs a LOT of people, it lets us make city improvements that more than tourists use. When it comes to the occational rude tourist (or native) we have Hoosier Hospitality, but we aren't afraid to set somebody straight when they act like fools.

Complain about this comment

63. At 8:48pm on 07 Apr 2010, Harjinder Singh wrote:
Dear BBC, Tourism helps in more than one ways in general.I feel to say about punjab my place in India.The south of punjab still needs a receptive, more kind of amicable response to tourists visiting here.Usually they go back from famous cities.If tourists try to visit the interior,still less toured lesser cities,the people will have greater exposure and normal way of accepting them.A feeling of strangeness can be removed.These cities are badly wanting in for entertainment sites.People are interested to add more number of religious sites than lakes or zoos in south punjab.I hope the bigger modern push as also the current recession and hardships will prompt and encourage people to think new ways of gaining access to economical benefits of tourism.Newer initiatives if taken by the present state govt can enhance the possibilities of tourism turn financial resource for mobilising funds for successive developments.I have one regret that this area in particular lacks in modern thinking.I hope one day it catches up with new trends. Actually, traditional wisdom tends to repel and outweigh modern sensibility.People do tour, but mainly to temples for spiritual purpose in groups.They need a mind set to open up to rivers and lakes and wild sanctuaries for and idylic experience.Now convent school pass outs do make a difference.The pace is too slow.I wish foreigners visit lesser cities and there is lots to learn about culture and society still governed by ancient taboos and myths.It can be an interesting subject.At least, i am thankful to English medium education which helped me to see things around objectively. And a big thanks to you for accepting me as a member for Have your say. It is highly appreciable and this service brings diverse cultures and views to share and know more on a single platform. Thanking you.
Yours Faithfully,
Harjinder Singh.

Complain about this comment

64. At 8:51pm on 07 Apr 2010, Bert wrote:
It looks like almost universally, tourists are described as being "rude." Just read the comments. So how is this?

Has to be that when people go on holiday, either with their families or in a group of friends, they behave differently than they do at home. Not hard to believe. Consider how differently people might behave when they go on a lunch break from work, compared with the way they might behave going to lunch with their friends from college. And too, that those who don't stick out like sore thumbs are assumed to be locals, not tourists.

So, for all of those who complain about rude tourists, do put yourself in their shoes for a moment. Would someone call you rude? Like, you know, overly loud laughing? Showing off in front of the guys? Or otherwise clowning around in ways you'd never do at home?

The other common thread is the "law of unintended consequences." The tourism industry is great for the local Chamber of Commerce, but there is "no free lunch," as the saying goes. So yeah, that "small-town atmosphere" gets lost.

Complain about this comment

65. At 8:59pm on 07 Apr 2010, Brucesax wrote:
Concerning your Bahamian guest's comments:

I made some extensive sailing visits to the Bahamas in the late 80's. The Bahamians are very sensitive about servitude and they struggle with it. I believe it is rooted in their slave history and also has to do with Junkanoo.

I understand why your guests avoided your questions about Junkanoo as I have attended Junkanoo. Junkanoo is the celebration of breaking the bonds of slavery. It is a street party and parade on New Years / Boxing Day. The different groups are costumed to a theme, and dance in the parade which circles Nassau over and over until daybreak.. It is very colorful, musical, noisy, and great dancing.

But this celebration is about the freeing of black slaves from white slave traders. As such, there is a definite racial tone which builds as the night wears on. I, along with several friends attended. We are all white Americans. We were crowded, shoved and eventually were directed to a set of bleachers. We soon realized that ONLY whites were sitting in the bleachers. We felt like we were invited to dinner ... and were the dinner. We became increasingly concerned for our safety until we decided to leave before something happened.

I have no desire to ever attend Junkanoo again even thought I like the Bahamas.

Complain about this comment

66. At 08:25am on 08 Apr 2010, nathalie wrote:
Tourist do certainly change the places where they go... take uganda where i live. Previously whole tribes used to live in area's which are now closed as 'National Parks' and have evicted the tribes from their lands and way of living....

Would just like to line out the contradiction between the traveler/global citizen and the lack of interest in the different cultures... you want to be 'global' but the whole 'globe' should be like how it is at your place of birth/living????

nathalie

Complain about this comment

67. At 10:33am on 08 Apr 2010, ibrahim mohamed barre wrote:
through tourism we are benefitin even as an individuals in here south coast kenya.as a young men and women we took those who come to tour in diferent parts of the country and also we interpret to the local communites therefore though that we are paid by the tourisms and life goes on.
because evry mornimg we go to the beach so that we mihgt found tourisms.

Complain about this comment

68. At 1:19pm on 08 Apr 2010, patti in cape coral wrote:
I can always tell when it is a European family vacationing at the beach here in the Cape, because the children bathe naked. I'm not offended by this, and other locals don't seem offended, just kind of surprised or unsure how to handle it. I wonder if it would be polite to tell them that if they want to fit in better they should get bathing suits for their kids, or whether they would tell me to take a flying leap. It's really not important, just noticeable.

Complain about this comment

69. At 6:20pm on 08 Apr 2010, Ronald Peter Almeida wrote:
Tourism is great to all concerned if done properly, unfortunately it isn't. There's too much greed involved and there's a market in it for everything good and bad.

Complain about this comment

70. At 7:58pm on 08 Apr 2010, Shaneik Ellis wrote:
In Jamaica the tourism sector is very vital to its economy. Tourism contributes to the development and growth of the country due to the generation of foreign exchange. Without tourism Jamaica's economy would be in a more deplorable condition or state.Overall tourism contributes to the presence of cultural diversity in Jamaica, thus the combination has lead to development of our rich and unique culture.

Complain about this comment

71. At 11:18am on 11 Apr 2010, ChineseInUK wrote:
#5. mountaingirl wrote:

“The average Zambian can not afford to see the 'sights' in their own country! Many, if not most, have never even seen a 'wild' animal which the country is so well known for, as they are tucked away in the National Parks that the average Zambian can not afford to visit.”

This is ok with me as long as the net income from those “tucked away national parks” are spent on improving the lives of the poor in the country.

Given the choices of having a share of the income generated from tourists and enjoying the views of wild animals, if one can’t afford both, I suspect the locals would choose the former.

Complain about this comment

What's it like to live with tourists?

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

ads