The Economic Impact of Souvenir Sales in Peripheral Areas A Case Study from Northern Thailand

Abstract

Selling souvenirs has been frequently considered a way for communities to benefit economically from tourism, especially in rural or poor areas. Locally-made souvenirs have the benefit of having low leakage, but imported souvenirs are often sold alongside locally-made souvenirs. The sale of imported souvenirs contributes to leakage of revenues from the local area. This paper discusses economic impacts of souvenir sales in peripheral regions using a case study of a remote tourist destination in Northern Thailand. The case study indicates that imported souvenirs make up a majority of souvenirs sold and have much greater leakage than local souvenirs. The case study raises questions as to the effectiveness of importing souvenirs as an economic strategy. The study concludes by providing some local-level strategies to increase the economic impact of souvenirs.