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This study is an attempt to empirically understand the transformation of rooted livelihoods after the arrival of tourism in the Greater Caucasus. A case-specific methodology combining qualitative and geographic information methods enabled us to identify 4 types of tourism-led livelihood change: (1) expanding nonagricultural activities; (2) reducing agricultural activities; (3) developing agritourism activities; and (4) increasing agricultural activities. Broad spatial coverage ensured that the data collected were representative. The findings indicate that although tourism growth has increased the need for supplementary services, only a few local residents have managed to develop tourism-related nonagricultural activities. We argue that mountain residents see opportunities from tourism mainly in agriculture and hosting tourists. However, relatively few of them actually expanded their agricultural activities in response to tourism's increased demand for agricultural products, as several barriers (lack of human resources, modern technology, and finances) hindered other residents from taking this opportunity. As our study reveals, households with traditional livelihoods most often replaced their agricultural activities, investing all their resources in developing tourism-related livelihoods instead. Others created added value from their integrated agriculture- and tourism-based livelihoods by providing visitors with locally made products. In addition to these findings on trends in livelihood changes, the study also provides an understanding of households' economic priorities. We hope the new insights surrounding tourism-led livelihood shifts will spark a debate on how people cope with the rapid spread of tourism in the Georgian mountains.

The main purpose of the article is to analyse the peculiarities of tourism development and linkages between tourism sector and other branches of economy, especially agriculture, in the selected areas of Kazbegi Municipality - the town of Stepantsminda and villages of Sno and Juta. The research is focused on the socioeconomic aspects of tourism development, in particular, tourism services provided by local communities with emphasis on the influence of the family farming to the visitors' outlook with reference to the local agricultural products. It is notable that participant observation of stakeholders and in-depth interviews with native and inbound tourists was used to study the current stage and potential of the host communities in terms of tourism development. Based on the research we argue that the observed rapid growth of tourist sector in the areas under investigation triggers economic growth, however the development is still fragmented and incomplete, as other branches of economy like agriculture, trade, etc., that should be connected to tourism activities, do not enjoy the expected growth. The research combines innovative and well established methodological approach for collecting and analysing qualitative data with help of MAXQDA and MAXApp.

People in the mountainous regions of Georgia have embraced new development pathways in recent years. Residents are taking advantage of the area's rapid increase in tourism, as settlements on the Caucasus Mountain slopes constitute some of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. The specific objective of this study was to determine whether the long-standing tradition of Georgian hospitality has sustained its cultural identity or has been commodified under accelerated tourism development. A grounded theory approach was used as a theoretical basis to explore primary findings. Empirical data were collected through interviews, participant observation, and guest reviews from the website booking.com. Texts were processed using qualitative data analysis software. The open-coded narratives revealed new forms of Georgian hospitality in guesthouse services amid waves of commodification of guest–host relationships. Maintenance of deeply rooted traditional behavior of the host communities under rapidly increasing tourism constitutes a firm foundation for sustainable development.

The following research was conducted between 2013 and 2014 in the Greater Caucasus, Georgia. The study area was one of the most visited summer resort - Kazbegi Municipality. The research was supported by the University of Giessen with cooperation to Tbilisi State University. The main topic of the research is about Tourism Services in Kazbegi. The purpose of this study is to analyze offered services in the villages and town of Stepantsminda. In the article great attention is paid to determine the contribution to the development of tourism services by considering Georgian culture. The main concern is about identification cultural elements appeared in tourism services. The study is based on the information which is obtained through the fieldwork (in depth interviews and field observations) as well as from analysis secondary information (Statistical data, research reports, etc.). Keywords: Tourism services, Georgian hospitality and culture, MAXQDA