Don8217;t touch Indians,advises UK tourism body

list of cultural 8216;dos8217; and 8216;don8217;ts8217;,including the advise to avoid

physical contact with visitors from India.

VisitBritain,the tourism agency,has drawn up a comprehensive list of

country-specific list of tips for everyone involved in tourism 8211; from

hoteliers to taxi drivers to provide an even more efficient and

helpful customer service that takes account of cultural needs.

For visitors from India,it says: 8220;Avoid physical contact when first

meeting someone from India. Being touched or approached too closely in

initial meetings can be considered offensive,even if the intention is

entirely innocent or friendly.

8220;Be tolerant if Indians at first seem impolite,noisy and impatient.

This is partly the result of living in chaotic cities and

environments. They usually appreciate orderliness when they see it.8221;

The tips have been drawn up to help enhance cultural awareness,avoid

misunderstandings and boost performance in caring for visitors,

VisitBritain said.

Sandie Dawe,Chief Executive Officer of VisitBritain,said: 8220;Overseas

visitors spend more than 16 billion pounds a year in Britain,

contributing massively to our economy and supporting jobs across the

country. So giving our foreign visitors a friendly welcome is

absolutely vital to our economy.8221;

She added: 8220;With hundreds of thousands of people thinking of coming to

Britain in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012,

this new advice is just one of the ways that VisitBritain is helping

the tourism industry care for their customers 8211; wherever they come

from.8221;

The tips include:

A smiling Japanese person is not necessarily happy as they tend to

smile when angry,embarrassed,sad or disappointed.

Do not be offended by Argentinian humour,which may mildly attack

your clothing or weight.

Avoid winking at someone from Hong Kong 8211; it is often considered rude.

Visitors from the United Arab Emirates can take great offence if you

appear bossy.

In a social situation with a South African,do not place your thumb

between your forefinger and your second finger 8211; it is an obscene

gesture.

Do not ask a Brazilian personal questions,such as their age or salary.

When meeting Mexicans it is best not to discuss poverty,illegal

aliens,earthquakes or their 1845-6 war with America.

Never call a Canadian an American. Some Canadians get so annoyed

about being mistaken for US citizens that they identify themselves by

wearing a maple leaf as pin badge or as a symbol on their clothing.

Do not take offence if an Australian or a New Zealander makes a joke

about 8220;Poms8221; 8211; it is more of a friendly endearment than an intended

insult.

Avoid saying 8220;thank you8221; to a Chinese compliment. Instead,politely

deny a compliment to show humility.

Don8217;t snap your fingers if you are with a Belgian 8211; it may be

interpreted as impolite

Never imply Poles drink excessively. Despite stereotypes,Poles are

not large consumers of alcohol and excessive drinking is frowned upon.