What's Killing The Souvenir Industry?

Three in five people are buying fewer souvenirs when going on holiday abroad than they used to, according to a Travel Money survey by the Association of British Travel Agents ABTA.

The most popular reason for ditching mementos, with 33, is that travellers simply find them old-fashioned and tacky.

When asked why they were forgoing souvenirs, 32 of respondents said they were conscious of the environment and did not want to buy unnecessary items. Another 32 said that they did not have as much money as they used to for spending on holiday.

Some respondents said that changes in luggage allowances over the years have left them with no space or weight allowance to carry souvenirs home.

What was once a common part of a holiday seeking out interesting, unusual or even comical items to bring back home is on the wane, said Graeme Buck , Director of Communications at ABTA Travel Money.