Value chain risk analysis

In many countries, children are forced to work in souvenir production, in factories, doing craftwork, diving for shells and pearls, or mining precious stones. Children are also often employed as souvenir sellers.

Female street vendors suffer from personal insecurity and harsh working conditions impairing their health and wellbeing. Moreover, the direct relationship between being a women and working in the informal sector results in economic shortcomings, vulnerability and further challenges - not only for female workers but also for their children accompanying them. 

For many tourists, shopping for souvenirs is an important part of the travel experience. Tour operators and tourists often do not take bad working conditions in the production and sale of souvenirs into account.

In many tourist destinations, cheap, factory-made imitation products are imported, leading to a loss of traditional craftmanship and lower incomes for artisans and local souvenir vendors.