Loud, rude conduct and disrespectful or entitled behaviour by tourists while visiting another country are the leading characteristics that infuriate the world’s most experienced travellers, according to the summer 2023 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.
“Global tourism is on track to rise by 30% in 2023 as travellers make up for lost time due to the pandemic-related travel restrictions. Unfortunately, a few travellers may have forgotten their manners in their post-pandemic travel exuberance. If so, then I hope they remember them soon,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
An important part of travel is the responsibility each traveller bears at every destination. Are you dressed inoffensively? Is your behaviour appropriate for the region? How you present yourself in foreign localities reflects on your homeland, but it also stirs reactions from the local population that could be helpful or provocative.
According to the survey, the worst tourist conduct observed by other global travellers was being too loud (27%). In second place, 26% of respondents reported that travellers’ unwillingness to try local cuisine or follow local social customs was the most infuriating behaviour. The third most disappointing trait (18%) was the expectation that destination residents speak the same language as the traveller. Fewer than 10% of respondents said tourists who wear revealing, offensive or shabby clothing were the most exasperating.
“When you’re visiting a new country, it’s essential to respect the local culture and customs. Behaving like a tourist can be seen as disrespectful and offensive to locals. Travelers should do the research to know and understand the little things about the customs and culture of your destination,” said Harding Bush, a senior manager for security operations at Global Rescue.
Looking and acting like a tourist can produce assumptions that you are inexperienced, naive, lacking cultural awareness, and wealthy. “Standing out as a tourist can make you appear vulnerable and an easy target for scams, pickpockets and other types of crime. By blending in you reduce the risk of local criminals or scam artists spotting you as a foreign traveler and targeting you for fraudulent schemes or petty crimes,” Bush said.
Comments are closed.