Today I read this article on the most friendly and least friendly countries for tourists. I have to admit I scrolled down to the list, fully expecting to find Slovakia on the least friendly list. And I did. It's #8. In the world.
Slovaks in general are frustrated by this fact and the Euros they are missing out on from tourists. With major tourist destinations located both directions on the Danube - Vienna and Budapest - Bratislava is missing out on a revenue goldmine. And sometimes it seems that those who really should care just don't. Getting good and friendly service, even when they know you have money to spend, is hard to find. We have had several issues with this when we've eaten at a restaurant or taken a visitor to tour Bratislava. On Valentine's Day we actually left a restaurant before ordering our food because we were getting terrible service. And when we paid for the hot drinks we had already ordered, we were given a Euro worth of change in 10, 10 cent pieces. There is a 1 Euro coin.
This is not an easy problem to solve. There are lots of reasons why this happens, not the least of which is their history and their years in Communism. From companies to tradesman, from stores to restaurants, a little friendliness and customer appreciation could go a long way. Perhaps it will change in the years to come, but this motivation must come from within, not from without.
So, below is the article so you can check it out for yourself. On the positive side, Austria is on the friendly list, which is one of the reasons we enjoy a day trip to Vienna every several months. It is clean and beautiful, filled with history, and they have a great transportation infrastructure. Most workers in restaurants and museums know at least enough English to make your dealings just a little bit easier. And they want your business - or least your money - and as a result they treat you accordingly.
Travel Friendly Countries
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