A recent viral video has sparked a heated debate between India and Pakistan over which country offers better hospitality. The discussion began when Nolan Saumure, a Canadian traveler and vlogger, was asked to compare his experiences in both nations. Without hesitation, he gave a one-word answer that set social media on fire:
“Pakistan, obviously.” This simple response stirred strong reactions from both sides, with many agreeing and others strongly disagreeing. But why did he make this choice?
Why Did Nolan Saumure Choose Pakistan?
During an Instagram interview with @officialnamour, Saumure explained his reasoning. He felt that in India, hospitality often feels transactional, while in Pakistan, it feels more personal and heartfelt.
“In India, people treat you like a walking ATM.
“In Pakistan, people invite you over, feed you, and even ask you to stay overnight.”
Saumure suggested that India’s large tourism industry might have made hospitality more business-like, where foreigners are seen as customers rather than guests. In contrast, Pakistan, which has fewer tourists, treats visitors with more warmth and generosity.
Social Media Reactions: A Divided Opinion
Saumure’s remarks led to a flood of comments, with some agreeing with him and others defending India’s hospitality.
People Who Agreed:One social media user from Dubai said, “Pakistanis are friendlier. They treat visitors like friends, while Indians treat them like outsiders.”An Indian user simply wrote, “I agree.”Some pointed out that because India receives millions of tourists, the experience feels more commercial compared to Pakistan, where visitors are treated like special guests.
People Who Disagreed:Some Indians felt that foreigners shouldn’t expect special treatment, especially given India’s history of being looted by colonial powers.One comment asked, “Why do foreigners expect VIP treatment from Indians after taking away $45 trillion during colonial rule?”In response, Saumure clarified that he wasn’t expecting special treatment, just a welcoming and comfortable experience.
Does One Traveler’s Opinion Define a Nation?
While Saumure’s comments have sparked debate, it’s important to remember that hospitality is a personal experience that varies from place to place.Both India and Pakistan have long traditions of welcoming guests. India follows the “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God) philosophy, while Pakistan is known for its warm and generous nature.However, as tourism grows, interactions with visitors change. In a country with millions of tourists, some level of commercialization is natural. On the other hand, in a country with fewer visitors, each guest might feel more valued.
Final Thoughts: Who Wins the Hospitality Debate?
The debate over which country is more welcoming is far from settled. Some travelers may share Saumure’s experience, while others might feel differently.In the end, hospitality is shaped by culture, economy, and personal experiences. What matters most is how individuals treat one another—not just how one traveler perceives a country.What do you think? Does tourism affect how a country treats its guests, or is this debate too one-sided?