Travel has opened up the world to people. It allows them to experience cultures they otherwise wouldn’t in their everyday lives. One thing that every traveler has in common is the desire to commemorate their trip through pictures or souvenirs.
Regardless of where you go, there will always be a trinket or piece of clothing that is worth taking. This need for tourists to commemorate their trips leads to major economic profits for the host country in the millions and billions.
That’s why Ubuy Poland conducted a study that examined 51 countries to determine which had the most popular souvenir. The research analyzed prices, annual international tourist arrivals, international tourism expenditures, and estimated earnings from souvenir sales. Out of the 51 countries analyzed, six of them were in Latin America (Spain also made the cut).
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The vibrant country of Mexico took the tenth spot on the list
Mexico is known for many things: tacos, tequila, unique artisan works, and Día de Los Muertos. In the United States, Mexican food, y por ende Tex-Mex, is familiar to many. Another element in U.S. tourist’s favor is their proximity to the country.
Ubuy Poland’s research found that the most popular souvenirs for tourists to take with them are Talavera pottery tiles. The study found that in 2024 the Talavera pottery tiles were searched for 51,124 times totaling an estimated earning of over $281 million.
Also included within the top ten is Spain, where tourists love to purchase miniature Flamenco dresses they can bring home. The research shows that these iconic dresses were searched for 141,279 totaling an estimated earning of over $1 billion.
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From Brazil to Chile, Latin American keepsakes were popular among tourists overall
While the other Latin American countries that charted on Ubuy Poland’s list didn’t make it into the top ten, their numbers were just as impressive. Argentina which came in at 32, was popular for its mate gourd. The research found that 6,950 tourists searched for it totaling an estimated earning of over $12 million.
Chile came in at 38 with its Lapis Lazuli jewelry being the most favored keepsake. About 6,950 folks searched for this deep-blue colored gem. Chile had an estimated earning of over $70.2 million.
Not too far behind were Peru and Brazil, in the 41st and 42nd spots. About 14,734 searched for Peru’s signature alpaca wool scarves, bringing in an estimated earning of more than $118.8 million. For Brazil, their hammocks reigned supreme with estimated earnings totaling $192 million.
Rounding off the list is Cuba, at No. 49, with their Cuban cigars bringing in an estimated earnings totaling $27.5 million.
