German tourism has fallen more than 50%

[qgrande]

Originally Posted by tflea

Many Europeans don't give back to the communities in which they live, which I don't like. Canadians are the greatest at this for whatever reason.
The English are not to be confused with 'europeans', they are giving in my estimation. But the french, germans, italians, dutch, swiss, austrians, et. al (have have I missed someone to **** off?) don't give back. I don't have a clue as to why, but ask any waitress who tips best and who tips poorly. A simple guage that can be useful. Very general statement, I know, but we all seem to get pigeon-holed at one time or another. Hate to do that, but sometimes the shoe fits. (BTW, do Russians tip? I have no idea).

Yes, Europeans generally don't tip as generous as North-Americans, (and I frankly don't see a difference between continental Europeans and British or Irish on this one. There's some unhealthy German-bashing going on in this thread). But really, tipping is not the only way to give back to a community. There are many other ways, like spending money outside resorts, frequenting locally owned establishments, etc. You would have to have a lot more data to back your statement that Europeans don't give back to communities than just the tipping. And remember that, yes, Europeans (and that definitely includes the Brits) in certain parts of the country are of the extremely cheap and uninterested variety.

[corsair74]

Originally Posted by batich

`ta cool!

a proposito, how do you call in your homeland a person who pays 10 bucks for something that all others pay $5?

Just to improve my knowledge of English.

You know. I don't see how this happens a lot, since the prices are posted on the merchandise everywhere that I shop here in the states. In a foreign country, I would simply call that person a "tourist".

My general philosophy is, if you can afford that extra fiver, and you are having fun and are happy with your purchase, then don't ruin your high by worrying if you've been fleeced or not. Just enjoy your vacation.

Vince.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by qgrande

There's some unhealthy German-bashing going on in this thread

Is there a healthy way to do it?
Seriously now...
I can tell you that there were so many Germans in Sosua when I moved here, that the Germans themselves were complaining about it.
I can't tell you how many times that German people have scolded me for asking them to translate something that a German was saying to me, as they didn't want it known that they were German, for fear of being lumped into the general concensus about the German tourists we had at that time.
This is not my opinion, I am stating.
I am stating that many Germans were of the opinion that those were low class tourists in those days and that just because we are not German, doesn't mean we can't agree, for fear of it not being politically correct.

[amparocorp]

having spent 20 years making a living from tourists in key west FL and depending on tips for a good part of my income it was always a body blow when my next customers were europeans. i used to think it was because they were cheap, rude, or uneducated to the practice. i have come to realize it is because as a group they don't have any money. they are taxed to death at home. free tuition, free medical care, outstanding prisons, europe has become socialist. very few rock and roll stars from the UK keep their money there, they set up US corporations to avoid getting taxed. i took a friend of mine from KW to SD once for 5 days, he owns a small auto paint and body shop, he brought 7000 dollars cash in a pants pocket for spending money. in europe there are very few small businessmen making the kind of money we see in the US because of taxes................and those that work for someone else may have a great lifestyle, 32 hour work week, pension, medical, tuition, 5 paid weeks vacation, etc. they don't get really big salaries...........

[qgrande]

Originally Posted by Rocky

I am stating that many Germans were of the opinion that those were low class tourists in those days and that just because we are not German, doesn't mean we can't agree, for fear of it not being politically correct.

Of course, completey agree, of course the Germans there were (and are) cheap and low class, but so are the Dutch, British, Italians, Swedes, and perhapsevenmaybeinsomewaysinsomeareas, the Americans and Canadians too. I was just reacting to a post singling out continental Europeans as people who don't give back to communities. As a general statement, and only based on observations on tipping, that's BS.

[J D Sauser]

German tourism has fallen in many countries, not just the DR and there are reasons for it not just abroad but in Germany which has suffered from a slowing economy for the las couple of years. This seems to be changing recently, so now it remains to be seen which countries will be on the German's wish list to spend some well deserved vacations.

... J-D.

[aegap]

Originally Posted by J D Sauser

German tourism has fallen in many countries, not just the DR and there are reasons for it not just abroad but in Germany which has suffered from a slowing economy for the las couple of years. This seems to be changing recently, so now it remains to be seen which countries will be on the German's wish list to spend some well deserved vacations.

... J-D.

yup, Germany is at the tail-end of a protracted version of what US went through after 9-11. Now, that was REALLY bad for PUnta CAna. IT so happens that those less likely to travel abroad during an economic downturn are those closer to the bottom of the latter (i.e. those with the least amount of disposable income).

[bonao1969]

I used to tell all my friends here in the states to go to DR1 to read about my second favorite country, in English, but now I don't tell anybody because of the local news about how corrupt the DR is. Everyday there are more stories about government officials getting away with more and more crimes and not called on them. Today, the big raises for some unqualified people that will probably get away with it. It will never change and the DR will never be number 1 on any tourist list. Too bad, because it is a beautiful place with a lot to offer if done right.

[PlantaFULL]

About the unsophisticated American post. Of course that is generalized bs. There are unsophisticated people in all societies. I think the reason Europeans often see destinations that are invaded by US tourists as ruined, is because they are followed by a strong tendency to change the local market and make it more like at home. Meaning: replace local Comedor & Mangu with McDonnals & Ihop.

Some, but not all Europeans see McD type stuff at their destination, its ruined, too Americanized. They do it themselves too of course, at some german invaded destinations you can order Wienerschnitzel.

[incredible]

Originally Posted by Chirimoya

Is that ten or one hundred pesos?!

They don't get a salary, they work for tips.

I give RD$15-25 depending on what change I have, how much there is to carry, and whether I ask them to wait while I pop into another shop like the pharmacy before going to the car.

I give 100 pesos sometimes much more because I have the choice and i can afford it!

Some may say I am foolish, however I used to work in the restaurant business while in college.
I feel tipping reflects the size of your heart to a certain extent, based on ones means ...

One thing I usually do not do is I rarely tip beggars in cash but I will offer them food!
Better that they are not hungry than buying alcohol or drugs...