ASEAN souvenir shop makes P500,000 on 1st day
The Philippine Department of Tourism reported P500,000 in souvenir sales from MSMEs on the first day of the 49th ASEAN Summit. The initiative aims to showcase local products and culinary traditions to international delegates.
Why it matters
Hosting international summits provides a significant economic boost to local small businesses and promotes national cultural exports.
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) generated around P500,000 in souvenir sales from Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the cultural and creative industries at the 49th ASEAN International Media Center on Friday.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said international delegates have bought coffee, pili nuts and pearl accessories from the souvenir shop in the media center.
"It's the first day, and half a million pesos were sold (already) and these are by the delegates alone," Angara-Mathay said.
She said delegates from Brazil and other European countries have been purchasing souvenirs from the shops.
"Somebody bought a lot of pili products because pili in their countries is said to be expensive. Pearls are a lot cheaper here, too," the tourism chief added.
Angara-Mathay said the Department of Trade and Industry sourced the products particularly from MSMEs engaged in the cultural and creative industries.
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