Distant destinations attract with endless sandy beaches, fantastic weather and friendly people. Something you would like to bring home to your loved ones and yourself could be a nice souvenir. Some will have wondered during their holidays whether everything on the way to the airport, in every souvenir shop and on the beach can be legally and morally bought.
In fact, you can buy many objects that are illegal: ivory products, shark teeth, coral, crocodile and snake leather, shells, snails or objects made of tropical wood. For many animal and vegetable products, trade is prohibited under the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and bad surprises lurk at customs. In addition, many of the products do not even come from the holiday country, but from large factories elsewhere.
GNF and TUI launch information site for safe souvenirs
In collaboration with TUI AG, the Global Nature Fund has created a new information service for tourists in time for the holiday season in July 2019. GNF wants to protect biodiversity from exploitation, TUI wants to protect guests from negative experiences. A website warns you of forbidden souvenirs. The site recommends instead buying typical products of culture that are available in each country. With rum from the Caribbean, olive oil from Spain and spices from Thailand you can make sure to bring home something you will actually benefit from, and not just another dust-catcher. Currently the website shows worldwide what should be avoided. For Turkey, Spain and the Dominican Republic there are great recommendations, followed by tips for Greece, Thailand and Egypt.
To the Souvenir Guide:
www.tuigroup.com/en-en/souvenir-guide