The Tourism Geography of Eastern Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

 Learning Objectives: Describe the major physical features and climates of the region and understand their significance for tourism Understand the role of Communism in promoting social and economic change in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union Be aware of the emergence of countries in the region as market economies and the consequent effects on the organisation of tourism and tourist flows Recognize the importance and social character of domestic tourism in these countries Understand that outbound tourism has been mainly directed toward other destinations within the region. But since the collapse of Communism travellers are venturing further afield Appreciate the role of inbound tourism in boosting national economies Recognize the problem s of pollution in many areas due to the legacy of relying on outdated heavy industry Appreciate that, with the collapse of the Communist system, the cultural differences between the various countries are now more important than the similarities Demonstrate a knowledge of the tourist regions, resorts, business centres and tourist attractions of Eastern Europe, Russia and the other countries of the CIS.

Eastern Europe: Introduction Baltic to Black Sea 1945-1989 Communist Bloc 3 sub regions:

The first group of countries – the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Baltic States – are the most advanced economically and have long had a strong cultural orientation towards the West, and the same is true of Slovenia and Croatia in the former Yugoslavia. The second group consists of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula where the influence of the Orthodox Church and Islam have been dominant in the past, namely Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia and the other republics of the former Yugoslavia. The third group extends well beyond Europe to the Pacific Ocean in northern Asia – this includes Russia and the other countries that make up the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Czech Republic Formed 1993 Spas CTA and Cedok Strong inbound demand Strong domestic demand Resources Mountains/forest Hiking/Skiing Southern Bohemia Prague

Slovakia Resources The High Tatras on the border with Poland, which contain the highest peaks of the Carpathians. Apart from the superb lake and mountain scenery, the area can provide some of the best skiing to be found in Eastern Europe. The karst limestone region of eastern Slovakia, which boasts the spectacular UNESCO-listed Dobsina ice cave as well as waterfalls and rock formations. The spas of western Slovakia, the most important being Piestany, which attracts large numbers of wealthy Arab and German tourists. Bratislava and southern Slovakia, which forms part of the Danube Plain. Bratislava is known primarily as a modern industrial city and its cultural attractions have been overshadowed by those of Prague. It is now a major port, thanks to the controversial power project on the Danube at Gabcikovo which, in taming the river, also threatens to destroy the wetland environment of the area.

Hungary Tourism important in economy Successful inbound industry Privatised industry Hungarian National Tourist Office Resources Spas Budapest Lake Balaton Great Hungarian Plain

Poland Large Country Recent increase in tourism Tourism Development Agency Resources Baltic Coast Lake Country Lake District Mountains Warsaw Krakow

Baltic States Complex history Low key scenery Lithuania Latvia Estonia

Romania Largest country in region Latin culture Invested in tourism Resources Black Sea Coast Carpathians Moldavia Bucharest

Bulgaria Small country Spas Black Sea Coast Winter sports Special interest

Republic of Former Yugoslavia Complex political history Popular destinations Croatia Adriatic Coast Istrian Peninsula Dalmatian Coast Slovenia Winter sports Lake resorts Yugoslav Federation Montenegro Serbia Macedonia Bosnia Herzegovina Albania

The CIS Russia Physical features Cultural features Transport Demand Domestic/outbound inbound

CIS: Resources St. Petersburg Moscow Golden Ring of Towns Kaliningrad Black Sea Coast Caucasus Siberia Lake Baikal Kamchatka Far East Arctic

CIS: Resources Ukraine Belarus Moldova Transcaucasia Georgia Armenia Abkhazia Adzharia High Caucasus Tblisi and Kutaisi Armenia Azerbaijan Central Asia Republic