Islands are friendly

I agree that there is a sense of community on these Islands. Australia is one big Island, but we do not have that feel here as a whole. I have not spent any time in small island nations yet, but I will be travelling to Norfolk Island in July. They apparently do not lock their doors or their cars over there as the are all friends who have an enormous trust in each other. It is also custom over there to give oncoming cars a wave, just like you do when you are passing a friend or neighbour on your local streets. I cannot wait to get over there and experience everything that this island has to offer. My tourist dollars will definitely be helping the people to continue to live this peaceful life. It is vital that these small island communities get some money coming in from the outside and tourism is the best way to do this usually.

Have you been to any friendly islands? I have been to Sicily. They are Mediterranean people similar to the Maltese in character. Sicily is fantastic. There are lots to see. It is not very far from Malta and takes about 1 1/2 hrs by ferry to Catania. Do you think that tourism helps the local people and the environment? It helps the lcoal people for sure. Tourism is a major sector of revenue in Malta. When tourism is bad, the whole Maltese economy suffers. There are lot of people who earn their daily bread thanks to tourism from waiters, people working in hotels, taxi drivers, bakers, etc... I don't know if tourism helps the environment or not. I don't think so! For example Sliema a local tourist resort, which had Victorian buildings houses, most of them have been demolished to make way for tall buildings, hotels for tourists.

Hi Maximax8 have you ever been to Malta? I do agree with you that people who live on islands are very friendly at least the Maltese are. We usually go out of our way to help tourists and locals alike. My father in law had a car accident with a British guy about twenty years ago. They were both covered by an insurance so it was not a problem. Anyway they have remained friends for over twenty years. His friend used to visit Malta every year up till a few years ago when he turned eight and cannot hire a car due to his age. I am afraid that Malta is not cheap compared to other islands. But if you love history, culture, beautiful beaches, there is a lot to see. I think food is cheaper here than in other countries that I have visited. Sometimes it is funny to see tourists in winter wearing summer tshirts where most of us locals were jackets and warm winter clothes. I think they would think that we are nuts but 12/5C is cold to us. I know that temperatures do go lower in UK.

hi. yes, in the Philippines, there is a world renowned beach island called Boracay. i will be attaching the nearby island photo, Pukka Beach

Indeed, Tourism does helps local people and improves the economic conditions in many places. One such example is Maldives, which is heavily dependent on Tourists for economic well-off. Goa, an Indian state is also heavily reliant on tourism. I am yet to go to such islands, yet, I would definitely go there once I get a chance.

I also live on an island although I'm not really near the beach, nor I am earning through tourist-related commerce, but I really agree on that observation of yours that people who live on Islands especially the ones who have been made into tourist spots are much friendlier. Maybe because they had to be to exude hospitality to the tourists. Another theory of mine is probably the environment. Living in places where there's the wonderful view of the blue sea and skies, and the sun all year round, plus the greenery, really does freshen up the mood right? Compared maybe to places where it's always snowing, and the skies are gray and dark, very depressing.

I thought the people in the Hawaiian Islands were very friendly. That was in 1972 when my parents and I went. I thought tourism and the environment helped the people there at that time. I don't know how it is now. There were a lot of Japanese living there when we were there. I hear the Japanese have really taken it over now. I've been to The Bahamas but I didn't think the people were as friendly there as they were in Hawaii. Kathy.