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

2.  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Recognize the problem s of pollution in many areas due to the legacy of relying on outdated heavy industry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.

3. Eastern Europe: Introduction
Baltic to Black Sea
Communist Bloc
3 sub regions:

4. 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).

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

6. 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.

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

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

9. Baltic States
Complex history
Low key scenery
Lithuania
Latvia
Estonia

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

11. Bulgaria Small country Spas Black Sea Coast Winter sports
Special interest

12. 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

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

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

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