Letters: China tourism, Dubai clarification

Global effects of tourism

“Reaching for 5 Stars” [Feb. 10, part of the “Unlocking China” series] points out a difficulty that many top hotel chains face -- how to teach world-class service in cultures that may not share similar concepts. It’s not so much language differences or décor as it is the “too busy to bring you room service” attitude that fairly exemplifies this challenge. Guests of world-class hotels expect a positive spin on a response to a request, even when it must be denied.

--Monica Lindblad, Munich, Germany

Tourism is important to China, but it has unfortunately brought destruction of the country’s wonderful ancient culture. It seems we always want what we want as tourists and constantly destroy what is wonderful about a country.

--Victoria Francis, Montecito Heights

Their Dubai experience

Those who said that Jews would not be welcome in Dubai [“Is Dubai for Real?” Jan. 27] have clearly never visited this amazing place. On my November 2006 visit, my mother and I, Jewish, were treated well and felt comfortable enough in this evolved and highly modern city to rent a car and drive on our own. Dubai is filled with visitors of every race, color and religion, and Jews are welcome, as are all others.

--Deborah S. Kravitz, Sherman Oaks