Harnessing Media for Risk Communication: Enhancing Tourist Safety Amid Multi-Hazard Threats in Puri, Odisha

Puri, a coastal city in Odisha, is both a major religious tourism destination and a region frequently exposed to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and heatwaves. Tourists, especially those unfamiliar with the local environment, heavily depend on media for disaster-related information and safety guidance. This study investigates the effectiveness of media in delivering disaster risk communication to tourists in Puri. Using a quantitative survey method, data was collected from 86 tourists, including both domestic and international respondents. The findings reveal that most tourists rely on smartphones and social media for disaster updates, while trust in the clarity, timeliness, and reliability of such information varies. Many participants expressed moderate confidence in responding to disasters based on media messages and identified mobile alerts, visual clarity, and multilingual communication as key areas needing improvement. The study highlights the importance of tailored disaster communication strategies that consider tourists’ temporary and vulnerable status. Recommendations include strengthening digital communication tools, involving hotels and travel agents in awareness dissemination, and enhancing accessibility through multilingual platforms. These improvements can ensure that tourists receive timely, clear, and actionable information during disasters, ultimately promoting safer and more resilient tourism in hazard-prone areas like Puri.