The fifth edition of Grand Kerala shopping festival is scheduled to be held form 1st December, 2011 to 15th January, 2012. The 45 days shopping event is organized to target international market especially the Gulf region and South East Asian countries and to promote tourism in the state.

(TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - December 1st, 2011 - It is time for a shopping fiesta in God’s Own Country, Kerala. The 5th edition of Grand Kerala shopping festival (GKSF) is scheduled to be held from1st December, 2011 to 15th January, 2012 in Kochi. Organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, in association with Industries and Commerce Department, Finance Department and the Local Self Government Department, Grand Kerala shopping festival is aimed to woo the potential international buyers.

The festival also endeavors to promote tours to Kerala by showcasing Kerala's amazing diversity and travel options. This time of year is perfect for tourists looking forward to have the best of Kerala holiday experience as it not only gives an opportunity to explore the tourist wealth of 'god's own country', but offers exciting shopping experience too. Indian Luxury Trains (http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/) has come up with exciting range of Kerala tour package to double up the excitement and adventure of tours to Kerala at this time of festivity.

Speaking about their plans regarding the global promotion of GKSF, Dr Rathan Kelkar-Director of GKSF said “GKSF has revealed its plans to target the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore and Malaysia in a bid to enhance its presence in the international market through the 46-day annual shopping festival. There is a lot of traffic coming from Gulf and South East Asian countries and we aim to promote Kerala as a shopping and travel destination by reaching out to them through this festival.”

More than 7,000 retail outlets are participating in the GKSF event to sell out items like jewelry, textiles, electronics, automobiles and furnishing. The festival will also showcase handicrafts, hand-woven and Khadi products made in Kerala. During the festival, buyers from outside the state will be provided 100% VAT refund on purchase through credit cards and the concept of e-coupon gateway has been introduced for NRI’s (Non Residential Indians) and NRK’s (Non Residential Kerala) people. Also, this time GKSF festival will see the introduction of night shopping for 10 days that will take place from 20th December to Jan 1st.

If you are planning to visit Kerala to attend this event and extend your stay for Kerala tours, then look no further than the website of Indian Luxury Train (ILT) where you may find tailor made Kerala tour packages. Visit http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/tours/kerala.html to select from an array of exclusive holiday packages in Kerala. Assured gifts worth anywhere Rs.100 to Rs.10, 000 and a mega prize of 101 kg of gold is in the offering through scratch n win coupons and gift vouchers. Looking at the success and popularity that GKSF has attained in last 4 years, it is the best time for you to take up Kerala tour to savor the amazing experiences of shopping.

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