Good manners can open doors, and a new survey of safari tour operators suggests some nationalities are particularly skilled at travelling with grace. Japanese visitors were named the world's most polite tourists, with Norway and Switzerland rounding out the top three.
The findings come from safaribookings.com, an online marketplace for African safaris, which asked 192 of its operators to rank nationalities across five categories: politeness, tipping, spending, adventurousness, and food enthusiasm. The results offer a snapshot of how travellers from different countries are perceived on the ground.
Politeness rankings
Japan led the politeness category with 21.1% of mentions, a clear margin over Norway (10.6%) and Switzerland (10.4%). Canadian and American travellers also scored well. At the other end of the scale, Italian tourists received just 1.3% of mentions, placing them last.
European travellers earned particular praise for their engagement. One operator from Imara Tours Zanzibar noted: “Many of our European guests are very interested in wildlife behaviour and often ask detailed questions about animals and conservation. Their curiosity makes game drives very engaging.”
Tipping and spending habits
Americans were identified as the most generous tippers, capturing 29.5% of mentions—far ahead of any other nationality. German, Canadian, and Swiss tourists followed, with 13.1%, 10%, and 8.6% respectively.
When it came to overall spending, the US again topped the list with 24%, followed by Germany and Canada, each at 12.8%. These patterns reflect broader trends in travel expenditure, where North American and Western European markets often lead.
Adventurous spirits and food lovers
European travellers dominated the adventure category. Germans were the most adventure-seeking, with 21.1% of mentions, ahead of the French (17.8%) and the Dutch (11%). In contrast, British, Indian, and Spanish tourists scored lower, suggesting a preference for more relaxed holidays.
For those who travel primarily to eat, Asian nationalities took the lead. India, Japan, and China claimed the top three spots, with France in third place at 12.4% and the Netherlands in fifth at 7.7%, just ahead of Italy.
These findings come as travel patterns evolve across Europe. For instance, learning holidays are gaining popularity, with many travellers seeking skill-building experiences abroad. Meanwhile, innovative approaches like the Faroe Islands' secret GPS routes are encouraging more spontaneous exploration.
While the survey focuses on safari tourism, its insights resonate beyond Africa. As European destinations like Halkidiki in Greece welcome international visitors, understanding cultural differences in travel behaviour becomes increasingly valuable for both operators and tourists.
Ultimately, the survey underscores that politeness and curiosity are universal assets. Whether it's a Japanese traveller asking thoughtful questions about wildlife or a German trekking off the beaten path, good manners and an open mind make for memorable journeys—for everyone involved.
