Do Americans really like tourists?

Question

I recently been to California and Hawa'ii, and all the people I met were nice, more so than here in England. However, is this just for tourism, or do they just like tourists?

LOL, Europes a shite hole, while a select few of the countries are ok, most of them are grotty. Britiain, where I live, is hilarious. The people are rude and obnoxious, especially to you yanks. It must be something to do with history.

Answer 1

Actually, we're very friendly, on average. The US is a big country, so we don't have that much opportunity to encounter foreign tourists.
And I had no problem in England, either. The French I've run into are, well, different --- but we all know about that already.

The purpose of traveling is to explore new things and have a good time, and it's beneficial to both parties: the hosts and the visitors.

Answer 2

Honestly, Americans don't mind tourists at all-- especially if you speak English. Anyone on the street, not just the receptionists at the hotel, will be sociable and friendly. However, if there's trouble communicating, no one is really going to want to talk to you. There still is a bit of racism here in the USA too, so if you happen to be dark skinned, expect to get dirty looks from the intolerant masses. However, if you are from Europe, you'll find that people think your accent is adorable! Girls here, especially in California love the English accent!

Answer 3

If it's a tourist area, most likely they'll be nice and polite to tourists because that's their livelihood.

But if they find themselves in some backwards Bush supporting red state, they'll probably find people not as nice. There are many great people in the USA, but also many ignorant Rednecks who are afraid of outsiders or those who are different from them. I'd recommend staying in the tourist areas or national parks. You shouldn't have any problem there.

Answer 4

I think it depends - perhaps the businesses try a little harder to be friendly since it's good for business. As for the regular people - I think in general that Americans do like tourists. I know I like to see people visiting the US from other countries. Where I'm at right now(new Orleans), we really need tourism for our local economy and we love to have people from other countries come visit us.

Answer 5

I live in Los Angeles, and I love meeting people from other places. This is a Tourist Town, but I do not work in the Tourist Industry. Americans, by and large, are hospitable. We do tend to be rather embarrassingly effusive, but our hearts are in the right place.

BTW: If you were called by your first name incessantly while you were here, it is just our way of being friendly. Democracy and all that.

To borrow a phrase fom my Texan freinds: "Y'all come back now, y'hear?"

Answer 6

I personally like them. I love helping them out or telling them some tips about where to go/eat/visit if they are in my city. Generally it is a positive feeling seeing someone from a foreign country come and admire something in my town or state.....but I have to admit as a tourist in other countries, I did not always get such positive treatment (namely Europe).

Answer 7

Most Americans are very proud of their country. I went to New York City once and asked a cop on the street for directions. I was amazed and pleasantly surprised at how nice he was to me. On the contrary, I asked a cop in Detroit a question and he was so rude I wanted to kick him, well I'll leave where I wanted to kick hm to your imagination!

I am glad you found most people polite and friendly. I have been all over the world and know that we are considered 'Ugly Americans'. I have seen people who deserve the moniker, too bad for the rest of us who are not so ugly...

Answer 8

After you get through all the bureaucratic nonsence that Homeland "Security" has conjured up, Americans really are very friendly people and curious about others. They have a sense of independence and freedom, so they will be interested to know that you're "just passing through", but otherwise will be delighted to see you show interest in their country.

Answer 9

It depends on the person your talking to but generally yes they do. Sometimes it depends on what country your from too. Most americans think tourists from other countries are interesting and want to talk to them non-stop...so watch out for that!

Answer 10

I don't know, it could go either way. I live in Houston, TX which doesn't attract many tourists, especially not around my side of the city. So we can't tell people who are tourists/who's not. I think that we would be nicer to tourists!!