Tourism has emerged as a significant economic driver in contemporary society, fostering a tourism-friendly environment in today's globalized world marked by technological advancements and economic disparities. India's rich geographical, historical, and cultural heritage contributes to its status as a prominent global tourist destination. Pookode, located in Kerala, boasts a wealth of natural beauty and cultural significance, drawing visitors to its serene landscapes. This paper delves into the repercussions of tourism on the local community in Pookode, examining how residents derive their means of livelihood from various tourism sectors. With a notable surge in tourist arrivals over time, our research adopts a mixed-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analyses. We administered semi-structured questionnaires to 100 households and conducted in-depth interviews with 13 key informants. Data analysis, involving correlation, regression, and ANOVA tests, aims to unveil the relationship between tourism and the income levels of Pookode's local community. The study reveals that tourism serves as a primary source of income for Pookode's residents, yet the industry's seasonal and unpredictable nature underscores the imperative of developing alternative income-generating strategies. Our investigation underscores the importance of formulating plans, policies, and strategies aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the tourism industry in Pookode and involving local community members in decision-making and tourism management processes.

Keywords: Tourism Impact, Sustainable Livelihoods, Local Community, Economic Development.