The 10 Places with the Kindest Locals (And 3 Where Tourists Feel Unwanted)

New Zealand: The Land of a Thousand Welcomes

New Zealand has built its reputation as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations, and recent data from the 2024 World Happiness Report confirms this status. An impressive 92% of surveyed visitors reported feeling genuinely welcomed by New Zealanders, reflecting a national character shaped by the Maori tradition of hospitality, or “manaakitanga.” This cultural value is not just a slogan; tourists frequently recount being invited to local festivals, family gatherings, and traditional hangi feasts.

Tourism New Zealand has doubled down on promoting these experiences, with a 25% spike in international arrivals since 2023 underscoring the country’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. Local businesses are encouraged to offer personal touches, such as hand-written welcome notes and free guided walks, and this initiative has paid off in glowing reviews.

The impact is tangible: in 2024, visitor satisfaction rates were the highest in the Southern Hemisphere, with many travelers citing authentic local kindness as the highlight of their trip. New Zealand’s approach serves as a model for other countries aiming to rejuvenate tourism through genuine human connection.

Portugal: A Warm Embrace on the Iberian Peninsula

Portugal’s surge in global tourism has been matched by a growing reputation for its warm, personable locals. According to the European Travel Commission’s 2023 study, 88% of tourists described positive, meaningful interactions with Portuguese people, particularly in Lisbon and Porto.

This friendliness is not limited to cities; the Aldeias Históricas initiative, launched in 2022, invites travelers to experience life in small historic villages, where community members actively involve guests in local customs and festivals. Portugal experienced a 30% increase in tourism since 2021, with local authorities emphasizing personal connections as a cornerstone of the country’s appeal.

New government guidelines introduced in late 2023 encourage hotels and guesthouses to provide cultural immersion opportunities, such as Fado music nights and cooking workshops led by locals. These programs have resulted in higher tourist satisfaction and repeat visitation rates, according to Portugal’s National Statistics Institute.

The emphasis on genuine hospitality continues to set Portugal apart in a crowded European travel market.

Canada: The True North, Strong and Friendly

Canada’s reputation for politeness is legendary, but recent data shows that this kindness has a measurable impact on tourism. The 2024 Global Peace Index reports that 90% of international visitors felt both safe and welcomed in Canada, a figure unmatched by any other country in North America.

This positive environment is fostered by multicultural cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where residents take pride in sharing their diverse heritage with guests. In 2023, the Canadian government introduced the “Kindness Revolution,” an initiative encouraging citizens to perform random acts of kindness, with a special focus on international visitors.

This program led to a 15% increase in positive visitor feedback, according to Tourism Canada’s 2024 annual report. The country’s Indigenous tourism sector has also grown, offering immersive experiences that bridge cultural gaps and deepen the sense of welcome.

Canada’s approach demonstrates that national friendliness is not just a stereotype—it's a strategic asset in attracting and retaining tourists.

Japan: The Art of Omotenashi

Japan’s unique approach to hospitality, known as “omotenashi,” has gained renewed global attention as the country prepares for a projected 20 million international visitors in 2024. A 2023 survey by the Japan National Tourism Organization found that 85% of tourists felt a sincere sense of welcome from Japanese hosts.

Omotenashi is more than politeness—it represents a deep cultural commitment to anticipating guests’ needs and providing service without expectation of reward. This ethos is visible everywhere from bustling Tokyo train stations, where staff personally assist lost travelers, to rural ryokans, where hosts meticulously prepare traditional meals for each guest.

The rise of community-based tourism in 2024 has further strengthened these interactions, with local guides and families opening their homes to visitors. New government training programs for tourism workers have emphasized the importance of omotenashi, resulting in a measurable increase in visitor satisfaction, according to recent JNTO data.

Japan’s model is now being studied by other countries aiming to enhance their own hospitality sectors.

Ireland: The Emerald Isle's Heartfelt Welcome

Ireland’s reputation for friendliness is more than folklore; it’s backed by impressive data from Tourism Ireland’s 2024 survey, which showed that 95% of tourists felt welcomed by locals. The Irish approach to hospitality is rooted in “Céad Míle Fáilte,” or “a hundred thousand welcomes,” a philosophy that encourages spontaneous conversations and genuine curiosity about visitors.

Pubs in Dublin, Galway, and Cork have become hubs for cultural exchange, with travelers frequently reporting impromptu invitations to join in music sessions or storytelling events. The government’s “Welcome Home” campaign, launched in 2023, has helped boost tourism by 18% since 2022, with a specific focus on rural areas where local hosts engage tourists in traditional crafts and farming activities.

Community festivals, which have returned in full force post-pandemic, provide further opportunities for tourists to feel like part of the extended Irish family. The warmth of the Irish people remains a deciding factor in the country’s enduring tourism success.

Thailand: The Land of Smiles

Thailand’s moniker as the “Land of Smiles” is supported by recent research from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which found that 87% of foreign visitors in 2023 felt genuinely welcomed. Thai hospitality is underpinned by cultural values of respect and generosity, which are evident in daily interactions from bustling Bangkok markets to remote island villages.

The government’s “Amazing Thailand” 2024 campaign has emphasized local engagement, with new programs designed to connect travelers with community hosts for cooking classes and temple tours. These efforts have helped drive a projected 30 million international arrivals for 2024, representing a full rebound to pre-pandemic levels.

Tourists consistently highlight the willingness of Thais to offer help, whether with navigation, translation, or even sharing meals. The rise of ethical tourism initiatives, such as village homestays, has further deepened the connection between locals and guests, making kindness an essential part of the Thai travel experience.

Costa Rica: Pura Vida and Local Kindness

Costa Rica’s “pura vida” philosophy—literally “pure life” but more accurately described as a spirit of optimism and friendliness—has measurable effects on visitor satisfaction. According to a 2024 survey by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, 90% of tourists reported positive interactions with locals, a figure that has remained steady despite rising visitor numbers.

Community-based and eco-tourism programs have been at the heart of this success, offering travelers opportunities to participate in conservation efforts and local festivals. The country has seen a 25% increase in tourism since 2021, with government-supported initiatives focusing on sustainable development and cultural exchange.

Stories abound of Costa Ricans going out of their way to assist lost or confused travelers, often providing detailed recommendations or personal tours of their hometowns. This environment of trust and goodwill has been cited as a key reason for Costa Rica’s high rate of repeat visitors, according to the 2024 National Tourism Satisfaction Index.

Iceland: A Nation of Friendly Faces

Iceland’s small population and close-knit communities foster an environment where visitors are treated less like strangers and more like neighbors. The Icelandic Tourist Board’s 2023 survey revealed that 88% of international tourists felt welcomed by locals.

This friendliness is evident in the willingness of Icelanders to offer travel tips, weather updates, or even rides to stranded travelers—a phenomenon that’s frequently documented on social media. The government’s “Better Together” initiative, launched in 2023, encourages residents to engage with tourists and share insights on Icelandic culture, history, and environmental stewardship.

Tourism continues to grow, with 2 million international arrivals projected for 2024, and local businesses have responded by offering more community-based experiences. The focus on sustainable tourism ensures that these positive interactions are preserved as visitor numbers rise.

Iceland’s hospitality is consistently ranked among the top reasons tourists choose to visit—and to return.

Finland: The Nordic Model of Hospitality

Finland’s approach to hospitality is grounded in a culture of respect, trust, and social responsibility. The Finnish Tourist Board’s 2024 report indicated that 85% of tourists felt welcomed by locals, with Helsinki and Lapland receiving particularly high marks.

Finland’s high standard of education and strong social welfare system contribute to a society where kindness is the norm. Recent government initiatives to promote “slow tourism” have encouraged deeper connections between visitors and residents, particularly in rural areas.

Community-led projects, such as forest walks and sauna visits, allow travelers to experience authentic Finnish life while forging genuine friendships. A 15% increase in tourism since 2022 has not diminished the quality of these interactions; in fact, many visitors report feeling more like honored guests than outsiders.

Finland’s emphasis on well-being and inclusion sets it apart as a model for other Nordic countries seeking to enhance their hospitality sectors.

Australia: The Friendly Down Under

Australia’s reputation as one of the friendliest countries is backed by a 2023 Tourism Australia survey, which found that 90% of visitors felt a strong sense of welcome. The country’s multicultural population and laid-back attitude create a vibrant atmosphere in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where locals are known for their openness and sense of humor.

Community events and festivals, such as Vivid Sydney and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, provide plentiful opportunities for meaningful exchanges between residents and tourists. The rise of eco-tourism in 2024 has encouraged international guests to connect with local communities through volunteer projects and Indigenous-led tours.

Australia has seen a 10% projected increase in tourism for 2024, with visitor feedback highlighting the friendliness of locals as a top reason for choosing the destination. The country’s tourism strategy continues to prioritize kindness, with new training programs for hospitality workers and public campaigns celebrating the Australian spirit of welcome.

Places Where Tourists Feel Unwanted

Venice, Italy, has become a symbol of the growing tension between locals and tourists. A 2023 Italian Tourism Board study reported that 60% of visitors to Venice felt unwelcome, a sentiment driven by overcrowding, high prices, and increasing restrictions on tourist behavior.

Residents have voiced frustration over the disruptions caused by cruise ships and short-term rentals, leading to new regulations such as a daily entry fee for day-trippers introduced in 2024. These measures aim to protect the city’s fragile infrastructure but have also contributed to a sense of exclusion among travelers.

Barcelona, Spain, faces similar challenges, with a 2024 Catalan Tourism Agency report indicating that 55% of residents believe tourism has negatively impacted their quality of life. The influx of visitors has brought noise, congestion, and rising living costs, resulting in protests and anti-tourism graffiti in popular neighborhoods.

Efforts to manage tourism, such as limiting hotel licenses and promoting off-peak travel, have had mixed results, and feelings of resentment persist among locals. Amsterdam, Netherlands, has struggled to balance its popularity with the well-being of residents.

A 2023 survey by the Amsterdam Tourism Board revealed that 65% of locals feel overwhelmed by tourist numbers, particularly in the city center. The municipality has responded with measures like limiting short-term rentals and banning new hotels, but many residents still report feeling that their city is being “taken over” by visitors.

These cities highlight the complex challenges of managing tourism in destinations where demand far exceeds local capacity.

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