Cheap but cheerful

New Zealand tourists are among the most fiscally tight travelers in the world according to a survey by online travel company Expedia, who asked more than 4,500 hoteliers around the globe their opinions on the best travellers overall, as well as other specific categories including behaviour, spending habits, fashion sense and willingness to try to speak the local language. According to the survey New Zealanders are the sixth stingiest travelers out of 27 nationalities, and were ranked 14th equal with Austria in the best overall tourists category, which was topped by Japan. Compared with Australians, New Zealanders were less likely to attempt the local language – in 14th place – or to tip – in 19th place. Australians were ranked fifth in both categories. The French were regarded as the worst tourists, rated the most frugal and the least polite.