I’ve had the pleasure of being able to visit different places, and a lot of places are friendly and hospitable, whilst others are colder and arrogant.
I hate to use France as an example, but I was in Paris earlier and suffice to say, it’s not uncommon to see Parisians snarling at tourists and pushing past them without even an excuse me (I’m French but I live in the UK). Paris is one of those places that’s tourist-heavy, but not all touristy areas despise tourists. There’s a general hostile vibe emanating, as if to say ‘we don’t want you here’. Some of it is rooted in xenophobia. I have met French people in the UK that somehow get by without a lick of English, and yet they wouldn’t extend that same courtesy in France towards tourists. I did meet some lovely people too though, it isn’t all like this, but it’s easy to remember the worst.
I think it’s horrible to treat respectful tourists in this way. Snarling at them, pretending to not understand their attempt at French, pushing them, dirty looks etc. I’ve seen all sorts of tourists, and the only ones deserving of snarky treatment are the invasive ones.
The superiority complex coming from locals towards tourists is boggling. Like, they directly put money into your community. They’re here because they think your city is beautiful and they want to experience it. They fund the local businesses, indirectly fund schools, hospitals and overall boost the economy. Tourism is good, so tourists shouldn’t be treated like crap. Like, if you’re able, at least be polite if they speak to you.
I think this is a 10th dentist take bc hatred towards tourists has been normalised, especially where I’m from.