Some people believe that visitors to other countries should follow local customs and behaviour. Others disagree and think that the host country should welcome cultural differences. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your own knowledge or experience

The debate over whether visitors to other regions should adopt local
customs
and behaviour or if the host
country
should embrace cultural differences has been ongoing for decades.
While
some people believe that tourists should assimilate into the local culture to respect and appreciate it, others argue that countries should celebrate diversity and welcome cultural differences. In
this
essay, I will explore both viewpoints and give my opinions on the matter. On one hand, one reason why voyagers might be expected to follow local tradition is that it shows admiration for the destination place and its standards. When people visit other nations, they should try to learn about the local heritage and traditions and adapt their behaviour
accordingly
.
For example
, in Muslim countries, it is customary to refrain from consuming pork and alcohol. Visitors who fail to follow these
customs
may be seen as disrespectful to the local culture and may cause offence to the local population.
On the other hand
, it could
also
be argued that expecting sightseers to conform to local norms can be discriminatory and exclusive.
Moreover
, different standards have their own unique
practices
and behaviours, and visitors should not be expected to completely change their living when travelling to another region.
In addition
, the host
country
should be welcoming of cultural differences and embrace the variety that travellers can bring to their society.
For instance
, in many parts of India, it is customary to eat with one's hands. When sightseers visit these nations should not be expected to change their eating habits to fit local traditions that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for them. In my opinion, both sides have merit and should be considered in equal measure. Tourists to other countries should try to learn about and respect local norms and behaviour, but the host
country
should
also
be welcoming and accommodating of cultural variety. It is possible to strike a balance between these two approaches by promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, and by encouraging travellers to express their own cultural identity
while
also
respecting the heritage and
practices
of the owner nation.
For instance
, during my visit to Japan, I was fascinated by the
country
's unique
customs
and
practices
. I made a conscious effort to dress appropriately and follow local
customs
.
However
, I
also
shared some of my own cultural
practices
with my Japanese friends,
such
as traditional dance and music. In conclusion, there are valid arguments on two sides of the debate, I believe that respecting local
customs
while
celebrating cultural diversity is the best approach.
This
can create a welcoming environment for tourists
while
promoting understanding and acceptance of different cultures.
Submitted by duyenduongthimy on

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • cultural understanding
  • cultural harmony
  • local customs and behaviours
  • host country's traditions
  • unintentional offense
  • enhance the travel experience
  • cultural fabric
  • inclusive society
  • diverse society
  • global understanding
  • mutual respect
  • respect for local customs
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