Study names the world’s politest tourists and biggest tippers

Japanese tourists have been named the world’s politest in a new survey of tourism operators. Norway and Switzerland followed, while Italy came last in that category.

SafariBookings, an online African safari platform, surveyed 192 tourism operators. It asked which nationalities were the most polite, gave the best tips, spent the most, sought the most activity and adventure, and showed the greatest interest in food.

Japan received 21.1% of the votes for politeness, ahead of Norway at 10.6% and Switzerland at 10.4%. Canada and the United States followed. Only 1.3% of respondents chose Italian tourists as the most polite.

Americans led both tipping and spending. They received 29.5% of the votes for biggest tippers, ahead of Germany at 13.1%, Canada at 10% and Switzerland at 8.6%. They also led travel spending with 24%, while Germany and Canada each received 12.8%.

Germans ranked first among the most active and adventurous tourists, with 21.1%, followed by France at 17.8% and the Netherlands at 11%. India led the food category, ahead of Japan and France, while China ranked fourth. One operator from Imara Tours Zanzibar said many European guests show strong interest in wildlife behavior and conservation, and ask detailed questions that make safari drives especially engaging.

“

Many of our European guests are very interested in wildlife behavior and often ask detailed questions about animals and their protection. Their curiosity makes safari drives very interesting.