Travellers urged to consider impact of their holiday souvenirs

Saturday 14 July 2012

Scottish holidaymakers could be unwittingly spending up to 10% of their total holiday budget on souvenirs that are illegal, environmentally damaging or destined to end up in the bin.

Custom byline text:

The Travel Foundation and ABTA/The Travel Association revealed the findings in a holiday shopping report, timed to coincide with Make Holidays Greener month.

More than two-thirds of Britons admit that shopping is one of the highlights of their holiday, so the organisations are urging travellers to choose souvenirs that support destination communities, reduce negative impacts on the environment and are likely to be enjoyed and valued for longer at home.

The most popular holiday souvenir by far is the tee shirt, with more than half of all Brits admitting they've brought one back from their travels. Yet only a handful of holidaymakers admit to ever wearing them when they get back home. Along with fake designer goods, they top the list of holiday memorabilia most likely to be discarded within weeks of return. Almost three-quarters of people enjoy buying from local markets, crafts-people and small shops, to experience culture and buy unusual souvenirs. This in turn benefits the local economy, says the report. "Local produce, such as olive oil, ornaments, handicrafts and jewellery are the most well-used post-holiday souvenirs, representing good buys."It goes on: "But although people like to buy souvenir items from independent retailers, only half check whether what they are buying is made locally. If the remainder did so, they may find that their 'local souvenir' was mass-produced and imported from the other side of the world. Additionally, while many Brits have good intentions to buy locally, a third of holidaymakers buy their gifts at the airport, suggesting that their good intentions may not always translate into actions."The report shows there is confusion about what is illegal to bring home and what is off limits. Despite an international ban dating back 22 years, 11% of respondents thought they could bring ivory home from some or all countries. There is also a risk of prosecution in importing souvenirs made from endangered species. Almost one-third of respondents thought that bringing religious artefacts home from holiday was illegal from some or all countries, although that is not the case (holidaymakers are, however, advised to establish whether these have been sourced legally). A further 17% thought a ban applied to wood carvings and 16% believed the same of leather goods. Another 15% admitted they had brought a shell or piece of coral back with them, yet one- third of these were now either hidden away in the house or had been binned. In fact, coral and certain shells require a permit to be brought into the UK, and marine ecosystems are threatened when they are harvested for souvenirs. Nikki White, head of destinations and sustainability at ABTA, said: " The average spend on souvenirs is significant, so buy sensibly and locally – it's both better for you and for local people and their environment."

Contextual targeting label:

Travel

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.

Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.

Travellers urged to consider impact of their holiday souvenirs

Commenting & Moderation

MOST READ

SPONSORED LINKS

MOST COMMENTED