Travel survey brings out tourists ‘irritating habits’

Tourists block wildebeast migration /AI GENERATED

Americans, Britons and the Chinese are the most complained about in key tourism destinations, according to an industry survey.

Loudness, entitlement, poor judgment on surroundings and activities, and disregard for shared spaces by visitors from different markets top behaviours repeatedly triggering complaints across the tourism industry.

According to the 2026 survey by Dubai-based vacation rentals platform Deluxe Holiday Homes, Americans lead with a 32 per cent on loudness and cultural expectations.

“Complaints focus on loud behaviour in restaurants, public transport and residential areas, as well as expectations that local service standards and tipping customs should mirror those in the US,” the report indicates.

The US is the leading source of international tourists to Kenya, with 306,501 arrivals in 2024, Tourism Ministry data shows, with official 2025 numbers yet to be released.

British tourists on the other hand are listed as causing complaints on alcohol-related behaviour, frequently mentioned in European and coastal destinations.

Complaints on UK tourists, where 180,639 visited Kenya in 2024, are largely linked to drinking-related behaviour, including late-night noise and disruptive group dynamics. 

“In quieter settings, British tourists are often described neutrally or even positively, suggesting the issue is more about context than nationality,” the report notes.

Most complaints on Chinese tourists are related to large tour groups, blocked walkways and sudden stops in busy areas. 

According to the survey, which featured key hotel chains with global presence, travel agencies and industry players, respondents often note these issues are tied to organised group travel rather than individual behaviour.

Similar problems also arise with large groups from many countries, the survey notes.

Chinese visitors to Kenya totalled 90,462 in 2024.

Russian tourists have been identified as having disregard for rules.

“Common complaints include rule-breaking, confrontational behaviour and resistance to local regulations. These responses are often region-specific and typically include caveats acknowledging wide variation between individual travellers,” the survey indicates.

Israeli tourists are related with direct communication style with locals often describing interactions as “very direct or abrupt, particularly in service settings.”

Many respondents note that cultural differences in communication style likely drive misunderstandings rather than intentional rudeness.

Closing the list of most complained about tourists are French Germans who are said to have criticism and expectations.

“French tourists are sometimes described as openly critical of local customs or systems, while German tourists are more often linked to frustration when rules, processes or schedules are unclear or not followed.”

Kenya received 87,556 and 54,839 visitors from Germany and France in 2024, respectively, with the beach destinations in the coast being their main place of visit.

Across all groups, the same behaviours repeatedly triggered complaints, including loudness, entitlement, poor spatial awareness, and disregard for shared spaces.

Which nationalities were criticised most often tended to reflect location, travel patterns, and visibility rather than inherent differences.

“For destinations and hosts, the takeaway is clear, focusing on visitor behaviour creates far more opportunity to reduce friction and improve the travel experience for everyone,” a Deluxe Holiday Homes spokesperson said.

World Travel and Tourism Council has since given a strong growth projection for Kenya despite challenges such as high park entry fees, policy shifts and competition from countries offering similar products, mainly Tanzania.

According to the global forum, tourism is expected to contribute at least Sh1.2 trillion to the national economy for 2025 and 2026.

“Employment supported by tourism is forecasted to reach over 1.6 million jobs, representing nearly eight per cent of total employment,” WTTC says in its forecast report.

Growth drivers include domestic spending, which it says is a major growth engine, while international tourism continues to stabilise.

“2026 is critical for focusing on enhancing service standards, sustainability and tackling challenges like park fees and policy shifts,” WTTC says.

The country targets to hit at least five million international arrivals by 2027 which according to the Tourism Research Institute (TRI), it will translate to earnings of about Sh800 billion.

Earnings from the sector increased to Sh452.2 billion in 2024, up from Sh377.5 billion the previous year, with a target of hitting Sh560 billion for 2025 year.

This is on a three million international arrivals projection, with CS Rebecca Miano indicating the target will be hit.