thursdaysd

kja

I seriously doubt that it was jobin's intended point, but one could argue that the fact that many Chinese tourists have never been exposed to norms other than there own is actually a reason to try to be a bit understanding -- at least in comparison to the hoards of Americans who are drunkenly staggering in streets by noon or middle aged western cruise ship day trippers who think nothing of shoving people out of their way, etc. -- people who, I would argue, should know that they are being rude and insensitive and who apparently made a choice to leave their sense of civility at home.

Yes, the busloads of Chinese tourists are undoubtedly having a deleterious effect on the environment of the places they congregate -- but the Chinese aren't to blame for the problems reported in Venice or any other inundated destination. Jurisdictions generally have options to limit or channel the impact of tourists, but few jurisdictions take effective action. Tour guides and tour operators and travel promoters could do a better job of providing information about local norms.

I suspect that all of us could be more sensitive travelers, more attentive to local norms and to the impact of our travel on the local (not to mention global) environment. I certainly don't have any answers, but I don't think the solution is to blame people who finally have the income to begin exploring the world, but have never had the chance to learn that other cultures may have different norms.

Boveney

Very well said, kja. I heartily endorse your post.