Types of Tourists in My Hometown

張貼日期：Jun 10, 2012 1:11:59 AM

Sandy Li

Backpacking and group travels have been a popular trend in recent years. There are several advantageous aspects in Taiwan that make it an attractive destination for many tourists, such as the weather, the communications, the prices, and the food. They are generally acceptable and satisfying to tourists. Lots of foreigners put Taiwan as one of their travel spots. My hometown, Kaohsiung, is also favored by foreign tourists. Because the weather and the people in Kaohsiung are hot and warm, many tourists love to visit it and enjoy the local food. I have some understanding of tourists’ characteristics, for my parents run a shop in which I have some experiences with them.

The first type of tourists is Western tourists. Western tourists are interesting groups that give me good memories. It is thanks to their sense of humor which makesmaking friends with them easy and enjoyable. When it comes to Western tourists shopping modes, their manners of speaking or tones, are very cool and funny. Western tourists seldom bargain and if they do, they do it politely. Some of them may play the magic or a little joke on me. What cute customers they are! Their manners of speaking also make me feel comfortable because they often say “thank you” to everyone. Also, when their tones are delivered with their exaggerative facial expressions, they seem so amusing. It is just like that I am seeing the live show right before my eyes.

The second group is Japanese tourists. Japanese tourists are the most polite customers that I have ever seen. They are just like the movie actors who are graceful andgracious. Their movement is quite slow and light; their manners of speaking are more polite than those of Western tourists. And the volume of Japanese speech is as small as that of mice. They will not shout in the public place. When Japanese pay the bill, they will be delighted if I give them a little discount. And they will be satisfied and not bargain anymore.

The third group is the Chinese tourists. Chinese tourists are the horrible customers who I am fear of a lot. They are so rude when they are picking, poking and pinching products everywhere. No products can escape Chinese’ evil fingers. I think they do not understand the importance of politeness. They will smoke in the shop where there is a no-smoking sign on the outside door. They seem uncivilized and stubborn. Chinese tourists always speak loudly even when they are close to each other. I cannot figure out why they do that. The most terrible thing to me is that during their bargaining time, they are like leeches sucking my money again and again. It is so shocking to me.

I have learned many characteristics of different tourist groups. Although some customers make me scared and angry but they give me a chance to prove my ability of solving the problem. And I find out people from different countries have their characteristic speaking manners and shopping modes as the result of their cultures and environments. We should learn their good qualities and remember the bad ones so we can avoid showing similar undesirable behaviors.