List of World’s most popular souvenirs in 2024 as France takes top spot

Ubuy recently conducted a study of 51 nations to discover the top ten most popular souvenirs.

The study collected information on the most popular souvenir in each country, its price, annual international tourist arrivals, international tourism expenditures, and expected earnings from souvenir sales.

To assess media popularity, searches for souvenirs in 2024 were used. Finally, a composite score was generated for each country’s memento to determine the standings.

France

France leads the list, with the Eiffel Tower keychain being the world’s most popular gift, earning a composite score of 50.

The country has the greatest yearly foreign visitor arrivals (117.1 million) and the second-highest international tourism expenditures (31.193 million).

Poland

Poland comes in second with its famed amber jewelry, which has the largest expected earnings from souvenir sales at more than $1.6 billion.

 Poland also receives 88.5 million international visitor arrivals each year, which contribute to 31.1 million in international tourism expenditures.

Italy

Italy takes third place with Murano glass pendants and a composite score of 39.2. The country welcomes 38.4 million international tourists annually and generates $12,965,000 in international tourism expenditures. Italy’s souvenirs are quite popular, as reflected by 218,091 searches in 2024, the second-highest amount on the list.

Canada

Canada follows in fourth place with its iconic maple syrup, attracting 32.4 million international tourists annually. Tourism expenditures in the country are $41,247,000, the second-highest amount after the US. Estimated earnings from souvenir sales stand at $239,760,000.

Spain

Spain’s top souvenir is the miniature Flamenco dress, ranking fifth on the list. The country attracts 36.4 million international tourists each year, with tourism expenditures reaching $7,119,000. With 141,279 searches for souvenirs and estimated earnings of more than $1 billion from souvenir sales, Spain achieves a composite score of 34.3.

United States

The United States is noted for its Statue of Liberty T-shirt and takes the sixth position. The country draws 45 million international tourists yearly. With the most international tourism expenditures of $48,837,000 and the least amount of searches for souvenirs in 2024 at 18,820, the U.S. achieves a composite score of 30.4. Estimated earnings from souvenir sales amount to $675,000,000.

Thailand

Thailand is recognized for its silk scarves and attracts 39.9 million international tourists annually. The country sees tourism expenditures of $3,681,000 and 127,657 searches for souvenirs in 2024, earning it a composite score of 29.5. Estimated earnings from souvenir sales are $231,420,000.

Japan

Japan takes the eighth position with a composite score of 28.1. The country stands out with the Yukata (summer kimono), the most expensive ($37) and the most searched souvenir in 2024 at 301,796 searches. Despite welcoming only 4.1 million international tourists annually, Japan’s tourism expenditures reach $6,741,000. 

The Czech Republic 

The Czech Republic holds ninth place, with Bohemian crystal as the most popular souvenir sample. The country attracts 37.2 million international tourists yearly and sees a tourism expenditure of $6,034,000, with 29,356 searches for souvenirs in 2024. Estimated earnings from souvenir sales are $837 million, the fourth-most amount on the list.

Mexico 

Mexico rounds out the top ten with its Talavera pottery tiles. The country draws 51.1 million international tourists annually, generating international tourism expenditures of $4,286,000. With 51,124 searches for souvenirs this year, the estimated earnings from souvenir sales are $281,050,000.

A spokesperson from Ubuy commented: “Souvenirs are more than just mementos; they are powerful symbols that connect travelers to the essence of a place while driving significant economic impact. Iconic keepsakes like keychains, jewelry, and traditional garments embody a destination’s unique culture and play an important role in the tourism economy. By combining cultural significance with financial influence, these souvenirs transform from simple tokens into essential components of a thriving global tourism industry.”

List Courtesy of Ubuy

To see the full research, please follow this link.