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Americans: The World's 2nd Best Tourists?
In a recent poll of 1,500 European hotel managers, Americans were given the number two spot for the world's best tourists, second only to the Japanese. "Americans were seen as the most likely to try to speak a foreign language and the most interested in sampling local food," according to the San Francisco Chronicle.Further, U.S. tourists were ranked third for both "most polite" and "best behaved" tourists (behind the British and Japanese, and Japanese and German, respectively), and ranked first in tipping and overall spending.
Yanks did, however, fall short in a couple of categories. "Americans were seen, by an overwhelming margin, as the shabbiest dressers, the most likely to complain and the second noisiest. Who's louder? Only the Italians."
And sorry, France, but you were ranked as the worst tourists in the world -- followed by India and China.
Filed under: Learning, Asia, Europe, North America
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Stiv Aug 20th 2007 11:54AM
Nice to hear.
All the Euro's need to realize is not every American voted for Bush.
In fact noone I've ever voted for has won.
What's funny is when in Europe Europeans are the nicest folk but when as an American you meet them in some country other than their own they become the biggest jerks imaginable, until you start buying all the drinks for the smelly gap years.
Mike Sep 11th 2008 12:53PM
Well that was one of the most pinheaded things I've ever read. This was written by an elitist american who thinks that doing anything other than what he thinks is ignorant or stupid. This is also the same person who probably goes into a restaurant and looks down upon the waitstaff and attempts to impress his other rich snooty friends with his knowledge of artisan bottled water. Hey harvard the next time you go out please make sure you tip at least 15% and try some source municipal water. It's incredible!
Deb Aug 23rd 2007 9:16PM
They sure do like our money though--also every ounce of aid we've ever given them
bcgirl Aug 23rd 2007 9:21PM
Americans try to speak the language of other countries because they want people to get the message and learn english for when they come to America.
Michelle Aug 23rd 2007 9:19PM
This is overall pretty positive...and unexpected. I thought all other countries pretty much hated Americans. It's nice to see that they'll (justly) ascribe us some good qualities.
Susan Aug 24th 2007 11:52AM
Actually, it should be irrelevant as to whom we chose to vote for. The Bush comment is not central to what the Europeans think of us as tourists. We are under no obligation to explain ourselves there any more than we are here.
I can understand why they think we are shabby dressers. Many of us are. Europe is NOT Disney World.
Eve Aug 23rd 2007 10:16PM
Well, I'm not sure what country these people were from, but while on cruises, these fellow cruisers pushed, cut in front of, and knocked in to you without so much as an "pardon moi". If you get my gest.
ray Aug 23rd 2007 10:20PM
I'm sure we rated as the fattest and over indulgent.
sassy Aug 23rd 2007 10:43PM
I'm sorry, this can't be right. Has anyone been at a tourist destination when the camera-weilding Japanese arrive? (Pearl Harbor, Grand Canyon; those are two of many where I have had that experience.) They are usually the ones elbowing themselves to the forefront of whatever attraction they are at with no regard or respect toward other tourists. I think they are beyond rude and need to learn a little common courtesy.
C Walton Aug 23rd 2007 10:45PM
ranked first in tipping and overall spending
Does anything else even matter
traveler Aug 23rd 2007 11:11PM
#7
Just read your post and had to laugh...because...I wonder if you can tell the difference between, Japanese, Korean and Chinese or the rest of the Asians? Having lived in both the Orient and Hawaii, I can and you are so wrong, it is usually the Koreans that are the rude and push ones, just like they are at home.......
Denise Aug 23rd 2007 11:08PM
I love Europeans. Most are quite polite and friendly unless of course you act like you own the world like George Bush.
traveler Aug 23rd 2007 11:11PM
Almost forgot...how many posting here have ever been to another continent? I don't mean a trip to Mexico or Canada? I have lived in Europe, the orient and Latin America. The term ugly American comes to mind more often then not and I understood where the Americans were coming from.
Marcia Aug 23rd 2007 11:19PM
Maybe now Libs will realize other countries do not hate America. Never did - well, except for France. And I am not particularly surprised by the results of the poll. Most Americans are very good tourists. There are always the few "ugly" Americans, but most are great. I will agree on the clothing though, but I think it's because Americans are quite casual in their dress, and most Europeans are more dressy overall. Personally, I believe Americans are becoming a bit too casual lately. When we travel overseas we like to check on what the locals where and dress accordingly.
Lori Aug 23rd 2007 11:25PM
I have friends in Germany and they have always told me that American's dress too casually for most occasions. Most people in Europe when they dress casually, they will wear nice slacks and loafers whereas we Americans wear cutoffs, jeans, and athletic shoes, or heaven forbid, flip flops or sweats.
PJ Aug 23rd 2007 11:27PM
Americans have no sense of fashion.
de Aug 23rd 2007 11:45PM
I can't believe the Japanese were ranked as polite. When we were at the national gallery, they were so pushy taking pics with the artwork that they nearly jostled pricleless masterpieces off the wall. And just try to keep your place in line for the metro with a japanese tourist about.
sassy Aug 23rd 2007 11:54PM
#11
I suppose that if I ask someone where they are from and the answer is Japan, then they must not be lying. I try to take the high road when foreign tourists are rude. I ask where they are from then politely inform them that pushing and shoving is considered rude here in America. All groups that I have encountered have several who do speak at least a little english, which I find to be a pleasant surprise. I have only visited four countries where I could speak the language, and have been to several countries where I didn't know the language at all. But courtesy is a universal language. Rather arrogant of you to assume that you are the only one who can tell the difference. I am very well traveled myself.
Rollando Aug 24th 2007 12:12AM
I have never been to France, so, I just accept peoples' word about the French. 99 out of 100 response about France, I heard anywhere outside of Paris, the French people are really nice and accomodating. It is the Parisans who are the most rudest. I can agree about the Indians from India. The majority I have met here in the States are rude beyond relief. I have no complaints about the Japanese. I have found them to be courteous. The Chinese no comment. The Koreans, only met a few. They were polite and rude when need to be.
americantraveler Aug 24th 2007 12:14AM
This article describes me to a T. I always notice I look like hell compared to travelers from other countries. Sneakers ,waist pack, overweight, stretch waist band shorts...that's me!But I am polite and I tip really well.