Economic Outcomes of Community-Based Ecotourism in Coastal Odisha of Puri District

Community-based ecotourism (CBET) has evolved as an important form of sustainable tourism, combining conservation goals with local economic advancement. Here, as is the case of Puri in Odisha State, tourism economy is very important but the conventional model has largely led to marginalisation of many and inadequate community participation. The objective of this study was to determine the economic benefits that will be accrued from community-based ecotourism on local communities in Puri, with particular reference to income earnings, employment opportunities, business expansion, standard of living and general economic perception during peak tourism period. Descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. The primary data was gathered from 160 respondents through a structured Community-Based Ecotourism Economic Impact Questionnaire. The study was carried out in the Puri town and Sea Beach blocks in November, December 2025, and January 2026. Simple random sampling method was used within the tourism workers occupational sub-groups. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, and the percentage is represented in tables and figures. Ecotourism a boon for the economy of Puri. The community-based ecotourism has had a positive impact on the economic status of local people in Puri. Increased policy support, infrastructure development and strategies for year-round tourism are necessary to maintain and maximise these benefits. Keywords: Community-based ecotourism, economic impact, livelihood development, employment generation, sustainable tourism