Chinese tourism officials, who earlier this year announced a “Black Book” of names of those Chinese travelers who were engaged in bad behavior back home, have now issued a new publication explaining how those who travel to the USA can be nice … and popular in the United States.
Specifically, late last month the China National Tourist Office (CNTO) in New York began making available the 125-page book, “How to be a Popular Traveler in the USA,” which explains some of the “do’s and don’ts” while visiting America. Some examples of what not to do:
—Sneezing or picking your teeth without covering your mouth.
—Yelling at a waiter or waitress.
—Blocking other people when you are on an escalator.
—Swearing at others in public.
The book had an initial print run of 5,000. It is being distributed free through the Chinese Consulate General in New York and NYC-based travel companies that bring tourists from China.
“With the increase in cultural exchange, more conflicts between tourists and locals are observed has been noted,” says the book’s preface. “Travelers from each respective might have a lack of knowledge about each other’s and local religion, lifestyle, customs, laws and regulations. In the United States especially, misunderstandings from Chinese travelers could come across as inappropriate or offensive.”
Pan Xiaopeng, deputy director of CNTO in New York, said that the book with five chapters covers every aspect of a trip to the US: destinations, people, culture and religion, local customs, transportation, food, medical services, safety and security.
One chapter—“Good Manners for Chinese Visitors—highlights common improper behavior exhibited by Chinese tourists and the possible reasons for each is analyzed and explored. It “encourages Chinese visitors to raise awareness of specific Western ideologies with the intention of minimizing and ceasing improper behaviors.”
For additional information on contacting the CNTO office in either New York or Los Angeles, click on http://www.cnto.org/contact-cnto/.
