ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the features of the tourism industries of Russia, the countries of Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). A long period of state control over tourism has left a legacy which differentiates these countries strongly from those of Western Europe. The removal of Communism has improved the image of the region in Western eyes. The differences between countries – previously concealed by the grey uniformity of this regime – have become much more evident. There is increasing scope for innovation in tourism products and niche marketing. Some countries, notably the Czech Republic, have made much more progress than others, and the transformation of the ‘Silk Road’ as a tourism product is notable. Since 1989, there has been a strong liberalising trend, characterised by economic restructuring, foreign investment, privatisation and the encouragement of local initiative. Entry, exit and currency restrictions were severe under the Communist regimes but have eased with their demise and Western involvement in the development of tourism has greatly increased. Entry to the European Union by a number of countries in the region has encouraged investment in tourism and boosted demand. External air links to Eastern Europe have improved, but there is a danger that the encouragement of mass tourism in the form of short city breaks might well result in the region’s cities becoming a cheap playground for West Europeans. Internal transport systems need to be improved, to cope with rising car ownership levels and the expectations of Western tourists. Poor standards of service and mediocre products may also deter tourists, once the novelty of visiting a previously ‘forbidden’ destination has faded. Outbound tourism in Eastern Europe and Russia is showing more rapid growth as the economy improves; the former regimes encouraged social tourism linked to health and education but as incomes rise, Western-style domestic tourism will increase in significance. It remains to be seen whether economic growth meets expectations, or future growth in tourism demand is constrained by continued political instability, ethnic strife, rising crime levels and widespread environmental problems.
