The Kerala Tourism to promote Coir tourism to bring the traditional coir making process as a tourism product. It has proposed to bring together the traditional wares and craftsmen along with their products under one roof.

The department has proposed to set up two coir villages at Munambam and Palluruthy in Ernakulam district for the purpose. The proposed villages will have everything associated with the industry, including the traditional process of coir production from defibering to coir yarning to weaving and designing.

The coir industry has not been able to take advantage of the growing global demand for natural fibres mainly due to lack of mechanisation, but the tourism industry has taken this as a blessing in disguise.

Most of the coir workers are women coming from socially and economically backward classes. The industry, which provides direct employment to more than 350, 000 workers, has been lying stagnant for the fast several years due to reluctance by younger generation to enter the field.

A study conducted recently by Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO) revealed that the younger generation was hesitant to take up jobs in the sector because of low income level and absence of modern factory set up. The study said that the entire employees involved in the sector were de-motivated.

The tourism department decision to promote coir tourism is likely to change the scene as it will be offering support to the coir industry to come out with high-quality gift items and souvenirs that the visitors can take home.

Several companies have already turned their focus towards such items in the light of the growing global shift towards eco-friendly products. A wide variety of these items were displayed at the Coir Kerala International Fair at Alleppey. The demand for coir and natural fibre products has been rising steadily, both within India and overseas. From just over Rs3.2 billion in 2001-02 the value of coir exports rose to more than Rs8.07 billion in 2010 -11.