Why the Japanese are sad when they smile
VisitBritain has launched a guide to help everyone from cab drivers to hotel managers to make overseas guests feel welcome during the 2012 Olympics.
VB also wants to avoid any unfortunate misunderstandings that could cause offence.
The guide, Delivering a First Class Welcome, was written by natives of the countries featured who work for VisitBritain.
Britain comes 14th out of 50 in the Nation Brands Index for the quality of welcome would-be visitors believe they will get.
Sandie Dawe, VisitBritain’s chief executive, said, “Overseas visitors spend more than £16billion a year in Britain, contributing massively to our economy and supporting jobs across the country.
“So giving our foreign visitors a friendly welcome is absolutely vital.â€
Some examples from the guide:
HONG KONG
Winking can be considered to be rude rather than friendly or flirtatious.
INDIA
Avoid physical contact when first meeting someone. Be tolerant if Indians at first seem impolite, noisy and impatient. This is partly the result of living in chaotic cities
 and environments.
CHINA
Avoid saying ‘thank you’ to a compliment. Instead, politely deny it to show humility. If you compliment a Chinese person, expect a denial.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Arabs are not used to being told what to do. Visitors from the UAE can take great offence if you appear bossy. They appreciate being looked after by staff who understand Arab culture.
JAPAN
A smiling Japanese person is not necessarily happy. They tend to smile when angry, embarrassed, sad or disappointed.
SOUTH KOREA
When accepting thanks Koreans will typically say ‘No, no’. This means ‘You are welcome’.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
U.S.A. and Israel attacks on Iran impact air movements in the Gulf (Update 1.00pm CET)
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025
Marginal increase for New York City tourism in 2025