Don't touch Indians, advises UK tourism body

Prasun Sonwalkar
London, Aug 12 (PTI) Keen to extend a warm welcome to
millions of tourists during the 2012 Olympics here, Britain's
national tourism agency has put together a list of cultural
'dos' and 'don'ts', including the advise to avoid physical
contact with visitors from India.
VisitBritain, the tourism agency, has drawn up a
comprehensive list of country-specific list of tips for
everyone involved in tourism – from hoteliers to taxi drivers
– to provide an even more efficient and helpful customer
service that takes account of cultural needs.
For visitors from India, it says: "Avoid physical
contact when first meeting someone from India. Being touched
or approached too closely in initial meetings can be
considered offensive, even if the intention is entirely
innocent or friendly.
"Be tolerant if Indians at first seem impolite, noisy
and impatient. This is partly the result of living in chaotic
cities and environments. They usually appreciate orderliness
when they see it."
The tips have been drawn up to help enhance cultural
awareness, avoid misunderstandings and boost performance in
caring for visitors, VisitBritain said.
Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive Officer of
VisitBritain, said: "Overseas visitors spend more than 16
billion pounds a year in Britain, contributing massively to
our economy and supporting jobs across the country. So giving
our foreign visitors a friendly welcome is absolutely vital to
our economy."
She added: "With hundreds of thousands of people
thinking of coming to Britain in the run up to the Olympic and
Paralympic Games in 2012, this new advice is just one of the
ways that VisitBritain is helping the tourism industry care
for their customers – wherever they come from."
The tips include:
*A smiling Japanese person is not necessarily happy as
they tend to smile when angry, embarrassed, sad or
disappointed.
*Do not be offended by Argentinian humour, which may
mildly attack your clothing or weight.
*Avoid winking at someone from Hong Kong - it is
often considered rude.
*Visitors from the United Arab Emirates can take
great offence if you appear bossy.
*In a social situation with a South African, do not
place your thumb between your forefinger and your second
finger - it is an obscene gesture.
*Do not ask a Brazilian personal questions, such as
their age or salary. MORE PTI PS
MYR



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