Thiruvananthapuram, Crafted on the lines of the mega Dubai Shopping Festival, the 46-day Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) staring Dec 1 at 14 district headquarters across the state is expected to attract foreign buyers and tourists in large numbers.

"All those shopping for Rs.1,000 and more from selected shops across the state will get a lucky coupon that could win prizes worth Rs.100 million," said senior bureaucrat T. Balakrishnan to reporters here Wednesday.

GKSF will promote traditional items from the state, such as marine products, decorative pieces, handicrafts, consumer durables, jewellery, textiles, resorts and ayurveda centres.

"The response from shopkeepers has now peaked. We expect that the 46-day festival will be a bonus for those who purchase and also for the shopkeepers, who can expect bumper sales. This period is the peak tourist season," said Balakrishnan.

The festival will promote business tie-ups. Entrepreneurs will get the GKSF branding, with special GKSF arches and danglers in their stores.

"The state government has pumped in Rs.150 million for promotional activities," Balakrishnan added.

"We envisage that in five years, GKSF would be one of the biggest shopping festivals, comparable to festivals held in Dubai and Hong Kong

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