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Thursday, August 10, 2023

The Italian vs. German Tourist – As Perceived in South Tyrol

The Italian Tourist as perceived by those working in South Tyrol hospitality The German Tourist as perceived by those working in South Tyrol hospitality
Signs seen at Touriseum in Merano characterizing Italian and German tourists.


Overview


We saw this characterization of the typical Italian and German tourist in the Touriseum, or the South Tyrol Museum of Tourism. The museum is in the Trauttmansdorff Castle near Meran, the former holiday residence of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria or Sisi. We visited the museum during our week in Merano. See A Week in Merano, Italy – Hiking.

Yes, stereotypes are not always correct (in both senses), but they can be entertaining. And in this case, they can provide an interesting language lesson. The stereotypes described here are how Italian and German tourists are perceived by someone working in South Tyrol hospitality. Though, we think some of these characterizations are not fixed to geographic area.

Two points:
  • We can confirm that the Italian characterizations are not far off.
  • As travelers, we are perhaps a bit closer to the German characterizations. Ouch.

The Italian tourist in South Tyrol (Alto Adige)


Non sa esattamente cosa vuole, ma di sicuro vuole l'offerta migliore. Quando raramente prenota, prenota in ritardo, tanto torna sempre nello stesso periodo e nello stesso posto.
  • He doesn't actually know what he wants, but demands the best offer all the same. He either books late or not at all because he always wants to visit the same place at the same time anyhow.
Si meraviglia di come in Alto Adige tutto funzioni alla perfezione e gli sembra, quindi, di essere all'estero. Sotto sotto è convinto che i sudtirolesi non parlino bene italiano solo per farlo sentire di serie B.
  • He is amazed at how well everything works in South Tyrol and thus feels as if he is abroad. He nevertheless alleges that people in South Tyrol consciously refuse to speak proper Italian, probably just to make him feel like a second-class citizen.
A colazione, ogni membro della numerosa famiglia arriva da solo nell'arco dell'intera mattinata. Un caffè al volo, qualcosa di dolce: la colazione é un dovere da sbrigare velocemente, l'appetito va conservato per il lauto pranzo.
  • His extended family comes down to breakfast separately and over the course of the entire morning. A quick coffee and something sweet to eat - breakfast is just something to get out of the way quickly. It should not detract from the forthcoming large lunch.
Fa la sua comparsa a cena quando meglio crede, solitamente quando la cucina sta per chiudere. Conosce i nomi di molte pietanze locali ed apprezza la cucina tirolese, però poi ordina sempre il piatto che "come lo fa mamma…"
  • At dinner he might appear at any time, usually when the kitchen is about to close for the night. He knows the names of numerous local dishes and thinks highly of Tyrolean cooking - but he still wants exactly what mamma always prepares at home.
Non gli salterebbe mai in mente chiedere dove può parcheggiare: un qualche posto lo trova sempre. Tanto la macchina gli servirà subito: minuti fino in centro? Troppi. Con l'autobus? Si sa che del trasporto pubblico non ci si può fidare!
  • Would never think of asking where to park his car. He simply parks where he can because he will immediately be needing it again. Seven minutes to walk to the town center? Much too far! Use the bus? You just can't rely on them.
Ama la montagna, ma preferisce evitare gli sforzi. Inizia la giornata aggirandosi a lungo per la reception, lascia l'albergo (in auto) in tarda mattinata ed è subito di ritorno, felice aver trascorso una giornata tra i monti.
  • He loves the mountains but likes to avoid any physical exertion. He thus begins the day by hanging around reception. If he finally manages to leave the hotel by late morning (by car, naturally) he will soon be back — pleased with his day out in the mountains.

The German tourist in South Tyrol (Alto Adige)


Si informa perfettamente prima di partire, prenota con congruo anticipo, conosce  memoria tutte le offerte ed é un esperto di sconti e riduzioni. E ovviamente sa tutto molto meglio dei residenti.
  • He reads up thoroughly in advance, books early, knows all the best offers and is an expert on money savers. Naturally he knows everything much better than any of thee locals.
Per lui l'Alto Adige è un territorio a sovranità germanica e qui si sente come a casa. Considera il tocco di italianità come un arricchimento esotico e spesso cerca la compagnia degli ospiti italiani. Più diffidente verso i connazionali, soprattutto se dell'Est.
  • South Tyrol is for him German territory and he feels quite at home. The Italian element he sees as an exotic addition and he is happy to mingle with Italian guests. But what are all these people from the old East Germany (or Prussia or Bavaria) doing here?
La colazione viene celebrata come un evento comunitario che non può durare meno di due ore e richiede la presenza di prosciutto, formaggio, pane e caffè alla tedesca, il tutto in quantità smodate. Così sopravvive fino alle 18.
  • He celebrates breakfast as a communal experience. It can last up to two hours and he requires sausage, cheese, bread and German coffee in vast quantities. He can thus survive until 6 p.m. — but then he will be able to eat for two.
Alle 18 in punto fa la sua comparsa per la cena con una fame da lupi. Trova tutto squisito, soprattutto la cucina italiana, ma è pronto a dar battaglia se le insalate del buffet sono 12 invece che 14, come annunciato dal volantino.
  • At six on the dot he comes down to dinner. He finds it all delicious, especially the Italian food. He will however immediately kick up a fuss if the buffet only has 12 types of salad instead of the as promised in the brochure.
All'arrivo chiede almeno cinque volte dove può parcheggiare. E ogni mattina, prima di colazione, controlla che la macchina stia bene. Ma da lì non la sposta fino alla partenza: d'altra parte, perché spostarla se l'autobus gratis?
  • Asks at least five times on arrival where he can park his car. He then checks it each morning before breakfast to see whether it is still 0K. He does not, however, touch it until his departure, because you can of course use the buses free of charge here.
Il tempo va sfruttato appieno: il programma giornaliero viene quindi eseguito punto per punto, rigorosamente, per ricaricarsi prima di tornare al lavoro. Di media cammina 4 ore e 14 minuti al giorno, il doppio degli italiani.
  • Makes good use of his time and strictly follows a daily schedule: he wants to top up his energy levels ready to go back to work. Marches on average 4 hours and 14 minutes a day, twice as much as the Italian average.

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