VisitBritain Issues Bizarre Guidelines for Dealing With Tourists

Image by maistora via Flickr

In an effort to prepare the UK's hospitality industry for an influx of foreigners during the 2012 Olympic Games, VisitBritain has issued a comprehensive guide to dealing with difficult tourists. Although the tips were compiled by natives of those countries, and are likely intended to cement Britain's reputation as the politest place on earth, the sometimes-bizarre list may perhaps serve to reinforce stereotypes and even offend the very people they were designed to protect.

Among the gems of wisdom:

• Don't pour wine back-handed for Argentinians - it indicates hostility.
• The Japanese sometimes smile when they're angry.
• Australians or New Zealanders might make offensive jokes.
• When talking with Mexicans, don't discuss their 1845-6 war with America. Or poverty. Or earthquakes.
• "Never imply Poles drink excessively."
• My favorite: "Do not be alarmed if South Africans announce that they were held up by robots."

Image by drowcliffe via Flickr

Obviously insane Spanish tourist in London

Further tidbits culled from the guide by the Associated Press:

• French people may be rude, and "notoriously picky in restaurants."
• Americans "won't ever hesitate about complaining." (in this pdf)
• "Indians are in general, an impatient lot, and like to be quickly attended to."
• "Travelers from the Middle East are likely to be demanding with staff" and don't like being bossed around.

Image by kris_wotipka via Flickr

The general reaction thus far seems to be that the 'don'ts' outlined in VisitBritain's guide are ridiculously obvious. The Telegraph's Ed West thinks you'd have to be a moron to make most of these mistakes, and travel blogger Rory Boland sees a connection to hapless hotelier Basil Fawlty.

But what about the generalizations made about people of various nationalities? Are you from one of these countries? Do these recommendations offend you? Can you confirm or deny that these allegations are true? Should these guidelines be corrected and cleaned up, or should we perhaps just take a long breath and have a chuckle?

And finally, what tips would you give to hospitality workers of other countries who are catering to British tourists?