This you mention occurs in many parts of the world, has lost respect for the human being, gives the impression that they do not want tourists in their countries, but on the other hand they are flooded with promotions of old people offering the services of their countries, Training the public servants, perhaps the tourism department want to do things right, but the rest of humanity of the place, do not know, do not want or not trained to give a good service to the tourist.
In my country Argentina, in the last years is talking about this topic, there is a training organization for people living in tourism areas, I think it is a lot missing, but at least it is a good start, in this respect, Uruguay is Better than us.
I am very sorry for what you had to spend dear friend @ meesterboom, I would never visit a place like this in your place.
I wish you a great day.
Thanks @jlufer! It is definitely a thing that people who deal with tourists should have some manner of empathy or training. If they want people to visit that is!