Top-Selling Souvenirs Around the Globe
Souvenir sales have undoubtedly dropped off amid the COVID-19 pandemic but some keepsakes never lose their appeal. Award-winning all-inclusive resort chain Club Med recently examined the top articles of souvenirs from each country around the world and compiled a list to determine which souvenir is most popular with tourists visiting that destination. Here are the results, some of which may come as a surprise.
North America
Visitors to the United States most often leave with sweets, specifically American chocolate, while tourists departing Canada frequently come away with home-grown maple syrup. Coffee (Jamaica, Guatemala and Costa Rica) and rum (Barbados, Dominica and Nicaragua) are also very popular souvenirs in Central America and the Caribbean while Cuba’s famous cigars remain a hot commodity among tourists.
South America
Hammocks, leather goods, coffee, rum, jewelry and precious stones are some of the most purchased souvenirs in South America these days. Visitors to Peru typically have their sights set on the iconic chullo knitted cap while souvenir shops in Bolivia are selling plenty of ponchos.
Europe
Europe boasts a diverse list of popular souvenirs ranging from umbrellas in the United Kingdom to LEGOs in Denmark. Chocolate is the hottest souvenir in a handful of countries, including Belgium, France and Ireland, while Latvia, Lithuania and Poland are beloved for their amber jewelry.
Asia
Travelers to Asia often come away with a variety of unique cultural items, including dolls (Russia), masks (Sri Lanka and Bhutan) and origami paper (Japan). Spices from India and Korean tea from South Korea are also among the most purchased souvenirs in this part of the world.
Africa
Textiles, including vibrant fabrics and woven rugs, are among the top souvenirs for those visiting countries throughout Africa. Wooden carvings are also quite popular, garnering the most purchases in places like Angola, Congo, Gambia, Ivory Coast and the Central African Republic.
Oceania
The boomerang is the most sought-after souvenir among visitors to Australia. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s most popular keepsake is The One Ring made famous by The Lord of The Rings. Seashells, including ornaments and jewelry crafted using shells, are also coveted throughout Oceania, especially places like the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Samoa.
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