Monitoring Growths and Product Quality of Local Souvenirs to Enhance Tourist Destination Image of North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Tourism development in North Sulawesi grows with a variety of industry sectors including souvenir industry. Souvenir representing local tourism products is an important component of the tourist experience visiting North Sulawesi. However, the souvenir industries in North Sulawesi have not yet been produced distinctively as local souvenirs and are still limited in both quality and quantity. This study is aimed at identifying and developing souvenir model and design as a supporting element of tourism product in North Sulawesi in terms of uniqueness, marketability and competitiveness with its local characteristic of North Sulawesi. Data and information are collected from home industries in North Sulawesi which produced souvenirs made from wood and coconut shell materials. This study employed filed observation, interviews and FGD (Focus Group Discussions). The informants are craftsmen and the souvenir sellers in North Sulawesi. The interview was also conducted to tourists visiting North Sulawesi to get their opinion and recommendations. The results of the study identified several models and designs for coconut souvenirs related such as the miniature related to local heroes for examples Sam Ratulangi, Toar-Lumimuut and Dotulolong Lasut. The miniatures related to local flora and fauna such as the ancient fish (Coelacanth), manguni bird and tarsius spectrum with its uniqueness and speciality of North Sulawesi souvenirs.