Kerala Tourism launches new bidding game on social media

Thiruvananthapuram: After planning to popularise various scenic locations in the state that were featured in hit movies to boost its tourism sector, the Kerala government has come out with another innovative step to woo tourists from across the country and abroad through a bidding game that gives them a chance to win vacation packages at low prices.

The game -- called 'Holiday Heist' -- has on offer tour packages at "unbelievably low prices" and if one has a knack for bidding right "in a crazy and creative manner", they will get to enjoy a vacation in God's own country "at incredibly low prices", the Kerala Tourism Department said in a release issued on Sunday.

"Powered by WhatsApp, this unique game offers a thrilling bidding experience where the winners can effectively steal tour packages showcasing Kerala's globally acclaimed captivating destinations," the release said.

The game revolves around the concept of 'lowest unique bidding' where participants will compete to secure tour packages with their lowest bids in a most unique manner, it said.

"We have unleashed Holiday Heist as an innovative tool to redefine tour package promotions, inspiring strategic thinking, creativity, and a spirit of adventure.

"It's not just about bidding high, it's about bidding uniquely low to steal a package! As the exclusive WhatsApp campaign by Kerala Tourism, it also marks a historic milestone for tourism departments in the country," Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas is quoted as having said in the release. Unlike traditional auctions, strategic thinking and creativity are the hallmarks of this bidding game which will indicate each player's distinctiveness, it said. (PTI)