London , England ( CNN ) -- Avoid saying `` thank you '' to a Chinese compliment , and do n't ask a Brazilian personal questions . Those are among the tips in a new etiquette guide designed to help create a warm welcome for visitors ahead of the 2012 London Olympics . The list was compiled by VisitBritain , the national tourism agency , and is geared to help everyone from hoteliers to taxi drivers be culturally sensitive . `` Overseas visitors spend more than £16 billion ( $ 25 billion ) a year in Britain , contributing massively to our economy and supporting jobs across the country , '' said Sandie Dawe , chief executive of VisitBritain . `` So giving our foreign visitors a friendly welcome is absolutely vital to our economy . With hundreds of thousands of people thinking of coming to Britain in the run-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 , this new advice is just one of the ways that VisitBritain is helping the tourism industry care for their customers , wherever they come from . '' VisitBritain staff who are natives of the countries featured wrote the list , which will now be included in an online database available to those in the tourism industry . A sampling of their suggestions : . -- A smiling Japanese person is not necessarily happy . ( They tend to smile when angry , embarrassed , sad , or disappointed . ) Also avoid talking to them with your hands in your pockets , staring , being late , and blowing your nose in front of someone . While sitting , try not to show the bottom of your shoes . -- Pouring wine backwards into a glass indicates hostility to an Argentinian . Also , do n't be offended by Argentinian humor , which may mildly attack your clothing or weight . -- Avoid winking at someone from Hong Kong , because it 's considered rude . When pointing , use your hand , not your index finger . Avoid mentioning failure , poverty , or death , as this risks offense . -- Visitors from the United Arab Emirates can take great offense if you appear bossy . They appreciate being looked after by staff trained to understand Arab culture . -- Do not be alarmed if South Africans say they were held up by robots , which is their term for traffic lights . `` Howzit '' is an informal way for them to say hello . Do not place your thumb between your forefinger and middle finger , as it is an obscene gesture . -- With Brazilians , steer clear of personal questions , especially on such issues as age or salary . -- When meeting Mexicans , it is best not to discuss poverty , illegal aliens , earthquakes , or their 1845-46 war with America . When demonstrating height , be aware that holding the palm face down is reserved for animals . -- Never call a Canadian an American . Some Canadians take offense at being mistaken for U.S. citizens . -- Avoid saying `` thank you '' to a Chinese compliment . Instead , politely deny the compliment to show humility . -- Do n't snap your fingers if you are with a Belgian , as it may be interpreted as impolite . Also avoid discussing linguistic and political divisions within Belgium between Dutch and French speakers . -- Avoid physical contact when first meeting someone from India . Being touched or approached too closely in initial meetings can be considered offensive , even if the intention is entirely innocent or friendly . -- Never imply that people from Poland drink excessively . Despite stereotypes , Poles are not large consumers of alcohol and excessive drinking is frowned upon .
VisitBritain launches a new etiquette guide ahead of the 2012 Olympics . It is designed to help the tourism industry be culturally sensitive . Tips were compiled by VisitBritain staff .