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A trip to remember
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Friendly locals can make or mar your holiday
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Tourism etiquette Cultivating a friendly culture
Sometimes, a memorable trip is more about the people you meet en route than the place itself. And, the government seems to be realising that too. In Tamil Nadu, the Ministry of Tourism has come up with ‘Virundinar Potrudhum, Virundinar Potrudhu
m’ (celebrate tourists), a sensitisation campaign to train people in hospitality, a trait Tamil Nadu is known for.
“We have started training auto and taxi drivers, traders and hoteliers so that they cultivate a tourism-friendly culture. Awareness is being created about the importance of being warm and honest with tourists, so that they will carry back good memories of the State,” says State Tourism Secretary V. Irai Anbu.
That is something photographer Ananthan and I have experienced firsthand during our travels to relatively unknown destinations. Take the friendly duo from Kinnakorai we bumped into at the bus stand in Manjur, near Ooty, while we were asking for instructions to reach their village. They accompanied us to picturesque Kinnakorai, entertained us with local legends and insisted that we partake of a meal at their home. This happened three years ago, and when I think Kinnakorai, it’s those two people who come to mind.
A friendly auto driver made writer Mritunjay’s trip to the Andamans come alive. When he got off the bus at Diglipur in North Andaman, a smiling local and an equally gregarious auto driver offered to take him to the PWS rest house. “Initially I refused, for I was wary of such friendliness. They seemed to sense it, and assured me they are so warm because tourists were scarce. They found me a place in a good hotel and refused payment, only telling me to write about the place, so that more people would discover its charm,” he recalls.
Just like good locals help bring in more tourists, the unfriendly kinds can throw the most devoted tourist off track.
Raghav and Ritu travel extensively, from overnight trips to swish resorts to unscheduled long drives through the forests. And, they have enjoyed most of their trips. But, the one that put them off was a week-long holiday in Hong Kong. “We wanted to cross the road, and did not know there was a subway. Sadly, for us, we encountered this totally unfriendly chap and asked him the route. He actually mimed asking us to fly over to the other side. It was so humiliating,” recalls Ritu.
Payal faced a similar problem in Puducherry when she went to one of the popular restaurants there. “Not only was the staff unfriendly, they preferred catering to the foreign tourists because they tip them better. I have never felt smaller in my own country.” She has since visited Puducherry a couple of times, but has studiously avoided this restaurant.
While the government’s programme will take care of those who officially cater to tourists to ensure they have a good time, tourists can also do their bit to not intimidate or antagonise the locals. “In small towns, the sense of ownership is immense. And, when you ignore local customs, throw litter around or run roughshod over their emotions, you’re going to create a bad name for yourself,” warns Rajiv, a regular traveller.
This is where the State Government’s plan to put up placards to educate tourists might come in handy. The tourism department staff is trained in this regard, as are the private players who host most tourists, says Irai Anbu.
SUBHA J RAO
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