Textile tourism planned in Tirupur

COIMBATORE: For those planning a trip to Kerala or Ooty via NH 47, there would soon be an interesting tourist spot enroute. Like the popular wine tourism in Europe, the district administration of India's hosiery hub Tirupur is envisaging "textile tourism" to promote the knitwear industry in the newly formed district in Tamil Nadu.

"We are looking to project the uniqueness of this place, which is cotton knitwear industry in the form of textile tourism," Tirupur district collector  Samayamoorthy told ET. He said, the project is still in the nascent stages, but would soon be implemented with support from both the state government and Tirupur exporters.

His plan includes showing tourists glimpses of the total textile value chain  from cotton to yarn to cloth. Visitors can also witness all stages of production starting with processing to final product manufacturing of knitwear products, all at one place.
The district administration and the Tirupur Exporters  Association (TEA) have zeroed in on the Nethaji Apparel Park (NAP) on NH 47 for showcasing the exclusivity of Tirupur. "We are looking to put up some sort of a mall inside the apparel park for the visitors to shop. Like wine tasting, they can also check on the latest fashion and products available in Tirupur," Mr Samayamoorthy added.

NAP has more than 50 companies manufacturing knitwear for exports. "It would be an ideal place to show all stages of textile manufacturing at one place," said TEA president A Sakthivel. He added the exporters are looking forward to the promotion of textile tourism, since it would help spread the Tirupur brand all across the world.
Tirupur, which has been attracting lot of foreign exchange in the last few years, accounts for nearly 90% of India's cotton knitwear exports. In 2006-07, exports from the region crossed Rs 11,000 crore, but is on a downslide for the last two years.

"US and Europe are our traditional markets and whenever there is a problem there, the effects are felt here," said TEA secretary general G Karthikeyan. He added the promotion of Tirupur in the form of textile tourism will help them reach newer markets in Asia, Africa and South America. Nearly 2000 foreign buyers visit Tirupur every year and a minimum of 150 North Indians call on the knitwear manufacturers per day.

T-shirts, polo-shirts, sweat-shirts, banians, pyjamas and night dresses on various fabrics like single jersey, interlock, fleece, polar fleece, pique jersey, pointelle jersey and drop needle are specialty products from Tirupur. The region is also known for cotton undergarments.

So with the development of textiles tourism, which will put the city on the tourist map of India and also the world, the exporters believe it can add value to the place and also improve business connections.