What are the most popular souvenirs in the world?
We’ve all bought snow globes, local treats, and other trinkets to remember a vacation – or gift to family and friends back home – but have you ever wondered what everyone else buys when they’re traveling? Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore because a new study has revealed the most popular souvenirs in the world.
A recent study by the global shopping website Ubuy looked at 51 countries to determine what travelers are buying based on the most popular souvenir in each country based on 2024 searches, its price, the annual international tourist arrivals in those countries, international tourism spending, and the estimated earnings from souvenir sales. A composite score based on all those factors established the rankings.
“Souvenirs are more than just mementos; they are powerful symbols that connect travelers to the essence of a place while driving significant economic impact,” said a Ubuy spokesperson. “Iconic keepsakes like key chains, jewelry, and traditional garments embody a destination’s unique culture and play an important role in the tourism economy.”
What Are the Most Popular Souvenirs?
It should be no surprise that the very affordable Eiffel Tower key chain is the most popular souvenir in the world, with a score of 50. Another contributing factor to its #1 ranking is that France has the highest international tourist arrivals, at 117.1 million per year. France also has the second-highest international tourism expenditure of $31.193 million.
Second is amber jewelry from Poland, which earned the highest estimated earnings from souvenir sales at more than $1.6 billion. Poland also has 88.5 million annual international visitors.
Murano glass pendants earned Italy a composite score of 39.2, placing them as the third most popular souvenirs even though 218,091 searches in 2024 is the second-highest amount on the list. The country welcomes 38.4 million international tourists annually and generates $12,965,000 in international tourism expenditures.
Canada ranks fourth with it’s iconic maple syrup. The North American country attracts 32.4 million international tourists yearly who spend $41,247,000, the second-highest amount after the U.S.
Rounding out the top five most popular souvenirs is Spain’s miniature Flamenco dress, with a composite score of 34.3 based on 141,279 searches for souvenirs and estimated earnings of more than $1 billion from souvenir sales. The country also attracts 36.4 million international tourists each year who spend $7,119,000.
Despite drawing 45 million annual international tourists with the highest international tourism expenditures at $48,837,000, the United States – and its popular Statue of Liberty T-shirt – just missed the top five with a score of 30.4.
Rounding out the top ten are silk scarves from Thailand with a score of 29.5, the Yukata (summer kimono) from Japan with a score of 28.1, Bohemian crystal from The Czech Republic with a score of 26, and Talavera pottery tiles from Mexico with a score of 25.
Methodology
The study examined 51 countries to determine the top ten for souvenir popularity. The research gathered data on each country’s most popular souvenir, price, annual international tourist arrivals, international tourism expenditures, and estimated earnings from souvenir sales.
2024 searches for souvenirs were considered to assess media popularity, and a composite score was calculated for each country’s souvenir to establish the rankings.
Follow this link to see the full research.
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