The Hindu Business Line : Shopping fest stall a big draw

Kochi, Sept. 24 The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival stall put up by the Tourism Department at the fifth edition of Kerala Travel Mart, which concluded here on Tuesday, attracted hundreds of visitors in three days.

Tourists, traders and consumers were interested in learning about the shopping festival beginning on December 1 and extending for 45 days up to January 15 next year, a release issued here said.

With 40 kg gold to be won in lucky draws, in addition to scratch ’n win prizes, this is one of the largest shopping festivals in the country.

Officials explained that with shops in all districts participating, the entire State would be converted into one giant shopping mall during the festival season.

Grand Kerala Shopping Festival is a result of the growing recognition of the tourism and the trade and commerce sectors’ contributions to the State’s economic growth and job creation.

The festival provides an opportunity for tourists to have an authentic shopping experience while offering them distinctive products that are unique to Kerala.

With industrial products fetching good market price and manufacturing sector regaining growth, traders are hoping that the creation of a second shopping season after the Onam festival, will be immensely beneficial to traders in the State.

The number of shops registered for the Shopping Festival is nearing the 500-mark.

Registration closes on November 15, the release added.