Ugly <xyz> tourists (Asia)

Too often we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions.
George W. Bush

I have been traveling for 25 odd years and a common refrain every few years is demonization of a particular country’s people as the worst tourists - Indians, Chinese, Russians, Israilies, the Koreans and perhaps the country that is just next to you.

Every decade a large segment of a  particular region or country becomes a little more affluent and starts joining the budget group tours. Tour companies rarely organise any orientation for their group informing them about the do’s and dont’s for their destination. Then there is a group euphoria, you tend to cut yourself off from the surrounding and don’t realize if you are being a nuisence. There are misunderstandings and stereotypes galore. Tourists think locals are out to rip them off. Locals wonder why tourists are so stingy. People on both sides amplify negative encounters on social media.

My personal hacks

A lot of keystrokes are wasted disparaging the tourists but I feel that it is pointless. It is unlikely the intended audience will ever read it. It mostly ends up inviting other snide remarks by people who are already hating on the said group. People enjoy putting down other people, more so when they are online and somewhat anonymous.

I have more actionable suggestions.

Escape the mass tourist area: Early on in my travels,  I realized how much more fun it is talking to people than visiting scenery or famous spots. Even if I go to a tourist city, I stay in neighbourhoods away from the tourism hotspots. The experience is always better.

Be an example: I try to clean up my space before I leave - it’s a game I play with myself - I pretend to be a spy or an assassin - don’t leave anything physical that will signal that I have been there. Also, I am courteous to the service staff. There is a small chance that people around me copy me when they see people in the host country reciprocating my humility.

Join the tourists: Some places it is difficult to avoid mass tourism - the tourist bus may be the only economical way to get somewhere. When I am in such a situation, I try to make the best of it. All you need to know is some famous songs from the country where the tourists are, or the latest of some sport, movie star or rock star scandal. Bring these up, and they will welcome you as theirs.

Be a polite spoilsport:  If I find people from my country/region stereotyping some other group, I will politely offer my positive experiences with that group and urge people to be a bit more understanding. This may sometimes not go down well but I still try to do it whenever I can.

Get a good pair of noise cancellation earphones.

Life is short. There is already too much hate in this world. Let folks be.