“The real life is to be with other people”: A social lens on immigrant integration through outdoor recreation

Abstract

This article explores the role of domestic tourism, specifically outdoor recreational sports and events, in fostering immigrant integration, with a focus on Jämtland County in northern Sweden. While friluftsliv (outdoor recreation) holds a central place in Swedish leisure and domestic tourism culture, immigrants are often underrepresented in such activities. Rather than framing this solely as a matter of cultural difference, we investigate how immigrants perceive outdoor engagement, the barriers they encounter, and how social connections shaped through social capital can offer empowering, integrative experiences. The study draws on in-depth interviews with thirty-four immigrants, adding new knowledge to how outdoor recreation intersects with social capital, social sustainability, and integration. Our analysis highlights three key themes: belonging to outdoors, barriers to participation, and the role of sports and events in shaping social connections. We argue that outdoor engagement can support integration and enhance social sustainability, offering insights into both theory and inclusive practice in domestic tourism and recreation planning