KOCHI: The fifth Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) has concluded, registering a total revenue of Rs 19,037 crore. The festival which kicked off on December 1, 2011, attracted thousands of shoppers from across the globe.During the 45-day-long festival, the state witnessed an inflow of 7.5 lakh foreign tourists compared to 6.5 lakh in the last year. Compared to 85.95 lakh domestic tourists in 2010, this year as many as 93 lakh domestic tourists visited Kerala during the festival, said an official release.5,382 retailers showcased their products. Foreign exchange earnings went up from Rs 3,797.37 crore in 2010 to Rs 4,221 crore. The total revenue both direct and indirect from tourism touched Rs 19,037 crore compared to Rs 17,348 crore in 2010. The state registered an upsurge in tourism. Foreign tourism increased by 11 per cent and domestic tourism by 9.15 per cent.This year, there was a rise of win-and-scratch coupons to 50 lakhs compared to the previous year, when it was 37 lakhs. “The response was tremendous. The state is setting a benchmark by offering a right mix of tradition with new-age marketing module. The fair has succeeded in boosting the state’s economy and has also enhanced the tourism profile of Kerala,” said Rathan Kelkar, Additional Director, Department of Tourism, and Director, Grand Kerala Shopping Festival.To encourage participation from all corners of India, this time the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival allowed shops from all across the state to participate in the festival as member establishments, he said.
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