DTI to intensify development of souvenir industry in CV

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-&) is  now looking for ways to further develop the souvenir industry in Central Visayas.

According to DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte the agency is going to intensify the development of the souvenir industry across the region while tourism sector is at its upswing.

Caberte said the agency’s product development programs are being tweaked for the souvenir makers. In fact, it is now becoming a niche for the GTH (Gifts, Toys and Houseware) makers and exporters.

Likewise, DTI Cebu province office director Nelia Navarro  said that development programs to develop the souvenir industry are also being incorporated in the existing programs under DTI such as the SPIN or Subcontracting Partners for Innovation, and the LinCs or the learning/sharing session on Leveraging Industries.

Both Caberte and Navarro vowed to intensify the development of the souvenir industry in Cebu and across the region.

Cebu as the tourism capital should have a good and strong souvenir industry, Navarro said.

Professionalizing and developing  the souvenir making sector has been the clamor of  successful souvenir companies the like of  Island Souvenirs Incorporated.

Islands Group president and chief executive officer (CEO) Jay Aldeguer said in an interview that this sleeping giant should be given utmost attention by the government such as capacitating mechanism to empower the small or micro players in the industry.

“My observation is that the souvenir, not only in the Philippines but even internationally, is perceived as a cottage-type industry. It hasn’t evolved into anything,” Aldeguer said.

Aldeguer believes that there is a huge potential for souvenir business especially in tourism hotspots like Cebu.

About 80 percent of  tourism spending goes to souvenirs. The Philippines generates an average of P31 million in tourism-related revenues.

If proper support is given to the players, directing them to higher business perspective, the sourvenir industry in Cebu could become one of the largest industries in the country. — (FREEMAN)