British holidaymakers are facing criticism for their so-called 'silent tourist' behaviour, with locals in popular destinations urging them to step up their game when it comes to engaging with the local culture.
The term refers to Brits who barely interact with the places they visit, sticking to familiar food, avoiding local languages, and generally keeping to themselves. Experts warn this approach not only limits their own experience but can also come across as disrespectful to host communities.
What exactly is a 'silent tourist'?
This growing phenomenon describes travellers who:
- Rarely attempt local phrases beyond 'hello' and 'thank you'
- Stick exclusively to British-style pubs and restaurants
- Complain when things aren't 'like back home'
- Show little interest in cultural experiences beyond sunbathing
Why does it matter?
Tourism professionals argue this behaviour creates a disconnect between visitors and locals. 'When tourists make no effort, it feels like they're just using our country as a backdrop for their holiday photos,' one Spanish hotelier commented.
Beyond cultural considerations, there are practical benefits to breaking the silent tourist habit. Those who engage more typically:
- Discover hidden gems missed by most tourists
- Get better service from appreciative locals
- Often pay less than those in tourist traps
- Create more meaningful travel memories
Simple ways to improve
Experts suggest easy steps to become a better traveller:
Learn five key phrases - Even imperfect attempts at the local language show respect.
Try one new dish daily - Step beyond burger and chips to discover authentic flavours.
Ask locals for recommendations - They'll often point you to better, cheaper alternatives.
As travel rebounds post-pandemic, there's growing emphasis on quality over quantity in tourism. The message to British travellers is clear: silent tourists might get their suntan, but they're missing the real holiday.
