Destinations known | Are Indian travellers set to overtake Chinese for ‘world’s worst tourists’ title?
- As China is aware, all it takes for an entire nation’s reputation to be ruined is for one unfortunate incident to go viral
- But equating a country’s conduct with an individual’s actions is, at best, reductive and, at worst, racist
It’s happening. After some six, uncontested years occupying the top spot on the “world’s worst tourists” list, Chinese travellers are being challenged.
But now, a family reportedly caught stealing from their hotel in Bali, Indonesia, could do for India what Jinhao did for the Middle Kingdom. In a video posted to Twitter on July 27, hotel staff can be seen arguing with Indian guests who have just checked out as they go through the group’s luggage and discover a mirror, clothes hangers and a hairdryer, according to a report in Indian daily newspaper the Hindustan Times. Ignoring one departing guest’s pleas to allow him to pay for the pilfered goods, employees stress it is a matter of respect – or lack thereof.
While neither the family nor the hotel have been identified, the online community has made its opinions known, calling the group a “disgrace”, condemning them for bringing shame upon India and expressing concern about the negative effect this could have on the country’s character. Come to think of it, perhaps it’s best that no one knows their names.
However, there is evidence that discrimination against Indian tourists has already taken root. On July 22, businessman Harsh Goenka tweeted a picture of a notice addressed exclusively to “guests from India” by the manager of the Hotel Arc-en-ciel, in Gstaad, Switzerland, where room rates start at US$250. It listed a number of rules, requesting that patrons of the luxury pile speak quietly in the corridor and on balconies, and highlighting the fact that comestibles at the morning buffet are “for breakfast only”. “Other guests also want an appetizing buffet,” it continued. “Only use the cutlery provided.”