Johannesburg - At least 400 African safari operators participated in the largest survey of its kind to reveal the most- and least-loved safari tourists.
The results are in and Americans are the clear winner.
SafariBookings.com, the largest online marketplace for African safari tours, conducted the survey.
In similar surveys for other destinations, Americans are often one of the least favoured tourists. But not in Africa. They love Americans. No less than 85 percent of the surveyed operators rated Americans as pleasant to very pleasant. They indicated Americans are friendly, have great humour, and tip generously. Italians are the least favoured safari tourists.
Although operators appreciate clients from all nationalities, Italians were the least loved. More than 18 percent of operators found Italians to be annoying, or very annoying. They indicated Italians are ruder, seldom on time, and often completely ignore the guide’s instructions. On the bright side, the survey also shows Italians are easy to please. Brazilians are notorious latecomers and the Dutch are least likely to tip.
The survey also included other stereotypes. Brazilians love life… and are the second-worst latecomers, after Italians.
A stunning 45 percent of operators indicated Dutch to be the worst tippers. Of all other nationalities, only the French came close to them in “poor tipping”. British are hard to please and Germans most punctual.
Overall, British tourists did very well. Operators hold them in high regard. They said British are polite, on time, and pay attention to the guide’s instructions. The only point of criticism was, according to 55 percent of operators, the British are most hard to please. Germans are considered to be the most punctual. More than 61 percent of operators indicated Germans are always on time. Regarding punctuality, British and Germans scored significantly better than other nationalities.
Native English speakers are more friendly and more fun. Surprising was that nationalities who have English as their native language scored much better than non-English nationalities.
Operators in East Africa are fond of American tourists. In southern Africa, operators are more charmed by the British and Canadian. In South Africa, the operators like their national tourists least, although they have a good laugh and are fun to be with.
Saturday Star