The Amenity Migrants PDF Download

Immigration is a complex process, and the motives are rarely linked to one factor only. This study is another prove to this. While a lot has been written about amenity migration, including its specific manifestation in the mountains, this research is first to study transnational amenity migration in Georgia. Throughout the qualitative research, the study explores experience of transnational amenity migrants to Georgia and identifies their motives of movement, their adaptation strategies, and integration in the host communities. We find, that (1) mountain amenities and amenity-economy in Georgia are migration motivators to move to the country, (2) these motivators are complemented by complex facilitating factors helping to assess destinations’ livability and influencing migrants decision-making process on where to settle and which groups to interact with, (3) the lack of common ground and isolating practices both in amenity migrants’ and local community groups hinders their integration. Richness of qualitative data in this study indicates that amenity immigrants and the members of their host communities lack space and avenues for dialogue. This study is only one attempt to bridge the gap between the two groups. More research should be encouraged to study the life experience of immigrants in Georgia and translate this into the robust policies facilitating welcoming culture and integration of immigrants in the society, who are valuable assets for enriching the already diverse culture and ensuring sustainable development in the country.