The behaviour of tourists, who sometimes lack knowledge of and respect for local traditions, customs and religion, can have negative impacts on local communities.

What might be a part of everyday life and custom in one’s home country, may be seen as offensive in another place. Issues such as how to dress appropriately, if and where to consume alcohol and drugs, how to behave in religious or sacred sites, how and where to take pictures, or how to act as a couple in public, are seen differently in different cultures. Unsensitive or offensive behaviour often occurs because visitors do not have adequate knowledge and understanding of their travel destinations. Retail and sales companies should provide customers with relevant information or encourage them to inform themselves about local habits in destination countries.

For many tourists, taking pictures is an indispensable component of their holiday. It can, however, offend people in destination countries, e.g. when the photographer neglects or violates communities’ rights to privacy, takes pictures of people (especially children) without their consent, or views local traditions through the camera lens in a voyeuristic way. Retail and sales companies should sensitize their customers on how to behave appropriately when taking pictures in a destination country.