A viral post by Indian neurosurgeon Dr. Arshiet Dhamnaskar has reignited an online debate about how Indian tourists are perceived abroad. During his stay at a hotel in Switzerland, Dr. Dhamnaskar discovered a notice specifically addressed to “Indian tourists”, asking them not to pack buffet food into their purses — a message that left him feeling “hurt,” not by the rule itself but by its tone.
Quick Take:
A Swiss hotel’s “Dear Indian tourists” notice asking guests not to pack buffet food has gone viral again after a doctor shared his experience. While some defended the hotel’s rule, many questioned why it singled out Indians, sparking a wider discussion about cultural sensitivity and stereotypes abroad.
The Viral Post: Doctor Shares “Hurtful” Hotel Experience
Dr. Arshiet Dhamnaskar, a Mumbai-based neurosurgeon, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to recall his Switzerland trip, where he noticed a long message behind his hotel room door.
The notice essentially said:
“Don’t pack buffet items into your purses. If you want, we can provide packed food separately.”
While the doctor admitted that the rule was reasonable — since buffets are meant for immediate consumption — what truly affected him was the message’s specific reference to “Indian tourists.”
“The one real thing that hurt me was that the message could have been addressed to anyone, but it specifically started with ‘Dear Indian tourists,’” he wrote.
Public Reaction: Authentic or Offensive?
Dr. Dhamnaskar’s post quickly gained traction on X, garnering mixed reactions.
- Some users claimed the sign was fake or outdated, urging caution before jumping to conclusions.
- Others acknowledged that while the notice’s tone was unfortunate, it reflected a real reputation issue among some travelers.
In response, the doctor clarified that he couldn’t find his own photo of the sign but located an older post by industrialist Harsh Goenka (RPG Enterprises) from 2019, featuring a similar notice from the Arc-en-Ciel Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland.
Past Controversy: The 2019 Harsh Goenka Post
Harsh Goenka’s post from 2019 showed an identical message starting with “Dear guests from India,” asking Indian tourists not to take buffet food with them, to use hotel cutlery properly, and to maintain silence in corridors.
Goenka had written:
“Reading this notice, I felt angry and humiliated. But then I realized — we, as tourists, can sometimes be loud or insensitive. Our tourists represent India’s image abroad. Let’s work on improving that.”
Cultural Sensitivity or Stereotyping?
The resurfaced notice has sparked a larger debate on how Indian tourists are perceived internationally.
While many Indians are respectful travelers, isolated incidents of food hoarding or noise complaints have occasionally led to generalized assumptions.
Experts say the real issue lies in communication tone — hotels must enforce policies without singling out nationalities, to maintain mutual respect.
Why This Story Matters
- Highlights the importance of cultural representation abroad.
- Opens dialogue about stereotypes vs. genuine behavioral issues.
- Reminds travelers that India’s global image is shaped by everyday behavior overseas.
While the Switzerland hotel’s intention may have been to curb food wastage, its execution reignited a sensitive conversation about how Indians are perceived abroad. The incident reminds both travelers and hosts that respectful communication and mutual understanding are key to positive cross-cultural experiences.
As Dr. Dhamnaskar said, it wasn’t the rule but the way it was written that stung — a subtle but important distinction in today’s globally connected world.
