Exploring the Factors Facilitating the Advancement of Sustainable Tourism in Odisha: Evidence from Tribal Areas
Keywords:
Sustainable Tourism, Social Economic , Cultural, Ecotourism, BehaviourAbstract
The Indian tourism sector is expanding and has great potential to attract significant foreign capital and create employment, thereby supporting the region's overall social and economic development. Tourists are always drawn to the indigenous culture and diverse society of the indigenous Indians. Sustainable tourism strives to create jobs, generate money, and preserve indigenous ecosystems while having a minimum impact on the surroundings and regional traditions. The multifaceted nature of tourism interconnects the economic, social, and environmental facets of sustainability. Support from the local community is crucial for the sustainable tourism sector to succeed across all regions, especially in remote areas. This research primarily identifies the attributes that influence support for sustainable tourism development among Odisha's tribal communities, as well as how rural residents perceive the effects of tourism development. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and the tribes' responses were analyzed using statistical tools and techniques, including SEM. The study enhanced understanding of the various variables that facilitate the growth of tribal tourism. This study indicated a robust connection between sustainable indicators—such as sustainable behavioral aspects, environmental sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability, and sustainable economic benefits—and the development of sustainable tribal tourism. It also emphasized the importance of recognizing the local community as a key player in industry growth, particularly in areas seeking to strengthen their economies through a sustainable tourism approach.
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