Opening up a treasure trove of curios
The Hindu
Thiruvananthapuram: After beaches, backwaters, hill stations and houseboats, it is now the turn of antiques, handicrafts, textiles and brass curios to lead the charge in promoting Kerala as a global tourism destination.
Joining hands with SriLankan Airlines, Kerala Tourism has launched a promotion campaign that offers tourists discount on purchase of jewellery, handicrafts and textiles, Ayurvedic treatment packages and on food bills in select restaurants of leading hotels.
The promotional campaign will also give an opportunity to tourists to take back souvenirs from `God’s Own Country,’ which is a treasure trove of antiques, jewellery, handicrafts, wooden and brass curios.
Under the scheme, discounts will be offered at 33 business establishments — some of the finest shops, restaurants and Ayurveda centres — in Thiruvananthapuram, the beach resort of Kovalam, Chowara — south of Kovalam, Kochi and Kozhikode.
“Passengers of SriLankan Airlines from any destination in the airline’s network to Kerala will receive the offer,” Sales Manager, SriLankan Airlines, Asha Subramonian told The Hindu
The discount offered ranges from three to 20 per cent. The offers under the scheme are valid till March next.
Those who want to avail themselves of the offer should produce either the airline ticket or the boarding pass at the designated shop.
Discounts are being offered for handicraft items such as bell metal, wood, cane, fibre and coconut shell craft, Kathakali models in wood, exclusive murals, elephants sculpted out of rosewood, silver and stone jewellery, metal mirror Aranmula and crafted jewellery boxes.
Offers are also available for the intricate traditional gold jewellery of the State, known for its rich variety and design. Discounts are also offered by leading textile shops in the three cities of the State for the dazzling range of sarees, designer wear and fabulous dress materials.
Restaurants, including those of leading hotel chains, Ayurvedic centres in Chowara, Edapally, Kochi and Kozhikode and a music shop in Kochi have also signed up for this campaign. Kerala Tourism has also come up with brochure, `Take home a treasure of Kerala for a song,’ detailing the offers.