Tourism Development in Post-Soviet Nations: From Communism to Capitalism

Former communist countries face unique issues in developing and marketing tourism businesses, communities, and attractions because of centralized polices that discouraged international influences. While soviet economies relied on state policies to facilitate community development, the success of capitalism lies in access to a variety of resources, such as the environment, fiscal services, infrastructure, and market knowledge at the local level. Moreover, communal societies potentially possess social capital that can provide unique economic development opportunities. This book incorporates a regional perspective that widens the tourism development debate to include theoretical analyses, applied research, and case studies that document the broader successes and challenges that affect tourism stakeholders and addresses the necessary elements that facilitate a comprehensive tourism development strategy in emerging and transitioning former communist countries.

Susan L. Slocum is Associate Professor in the Department of Tourism and Event Management at George Mason University, USA. She studies sustainable tourism development and policy, specifically working with farmers and rural communities in the UK, Tanzania, Belarus, and the Intermountain Western United States.  She is the co-author of six books and numerous journal articles, including two textbooks.

Valeria Klitsounova is Associate Professor at Belarusian State University, Belarus and Chair of the Board for the Belarusian Association of Agro-Ecotourism NGO "Country Escape." Valeria has published 3 books, including a textbook about agro-ecotourism.