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Touring the EU and Eastern Europe. Many people visit Eastern Europe because: . Ancestors/relatives Europeans have a lot of holiday time Very cultural – history, music, art Variety – beaches, mountains, cities 40% of all world tourists go to Europe – France #1
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Many people visit Eastern Europe because: • Ancestors/relatives • Europeans have a lot of holiday time • Very cultural – history, music, art • Variety – beaches, mountains, cities • 40% of all world tourists go to Europe – France #1 • Some areas are overwhelmed with tourists; ie pollution, crowding, unplanned development
Eastern Europe • Attracts more allocentric or adventurists – lots to explore, but facilities are not up to par • Less visitors than western Europe because; westerners kept out due to differing political views and E. Europeans were poor and could not afford to travel • 1989 – former USSR withdrew from area (no more communism); travel agents, advertising and lower prices to travel occurred • Government must support industry and encourage Eastern European’s to travel locally and abroad – this has to increase the numbers • However, more people would rather spend $$ on luxuries like TV’s, cell phones, not vacations.
History • Located between Germany, Austria, Poland & Slovakia • For much of the 20th century, the former Soviet Union controlled many Eastern European nations, including Czechoslovakia • The country was controlled by a communist government in which the state owns industry and keeps central control • The country suffered a neglect that affected everything from upkeep of the infrastructure to limits on personal freedom. • Experienced a cultural re-birth soon after a peaceful protest in 1989 (Velvet Revolution)
Today • Enthusiastic tourists meet many Czechs who want to share their new freedoms • Narrow cobblestone streets lead to ancient castles, imperial spas, quaint châteaux’s and imposing cathedrals • In the city, you can visit new galleries, shopping spots, bistros and clubs • Or you can follow the country lanes and ancient bridges to reach the uncluttered countryside, where you can discover beautiful mountains, ancient rock formations, fertile rolling hills and limestone caves • Prague is a tourist hot spot and a jewel in Europe. Despite the problems with travel in Eastern Europe and the Czech Republic in particular, thousands flock to enjoy the city every year.
Problems • The Czech Republic has many problems to address in the years to come such as; restoring character, greater planning and new facilities, shortage of activities, preservation, traffic and the European Union just to name a few. • Despite the problems, tourism is on an increase throughout Eastern Europe especially in Czech Republic and Poland.