Old Notice Sparks Fresh Controversy

A years-old notice from a hotel in Gstaad has gone viral once again after industrialist Harsh Goenka reshared it on social media, reigniting debate over the behaviour of some Indian tourists abroad. The notice, addressed specifically to “guests from India,” urged visitors not to take food from breakfast buffets for later use, to use serving cutlery properly, avoid sharing meals without paying, and maintain silence in corridors and balconies. Originally displayed around 2019, the message had drawn criticism for singling out Indians, prompting the hotel to later issue an apology, clarifying that it did not intend to stereotype all visitors.

The issue resurfaced after Goenka linked the notice to recent viral incidents involving Indians overseas, including public dancing, loud music in shared spaces, and disruptive behaviour during global events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos. While some supported his view that better civic sense is essential when travelling internationally, others argued that such notices unfairly generalise an entire nationality. The debate has once again highlighted the importance of travel etiquette and how individual actions can influence global perceptions of Indians.