The definitions of tourism and leisure in Soviet and western societies are scrutinised in terms of the impact these differing ideologies exert on their respective organisational structures. Economic and sociological implications of the development of tourism are reviewed together with the controls that the Soviet regime automatically imposes and which reduce the extent of the impact experienced in a western situation. The tourist industry's requirements in general are outlined using western models and a consideration is made of the degree to which Soviet practice conforms to the premises advanced. Soviet controls on free time are discussed in conjunction with the opportunities available for domestic tourism within the USSR. The evolution of the Soviet tourist industry is expounded, commencing with the legacy of the Tsarist era, with particular reference to its present geographical aspects. Infrastructural provision in terms of transport and accommodation is discussed with specific reference to the limitations they embody on rapid development of a domestic tourist market. The natural environment as a resource is also considered in this context, including the degrees of conservation practised. Detailed reference is made to the various sectors of the Soviet tourist industry. In particular the Soviet Health Resorts are considered, examining the facilities they offer, their organisational and treatment characteristics and the profiles of their typical consumers. The youth sector of the USSR's tourist industry is examined under its direction by Sputnik which also deals with young foreigners visiting the Soviet Union. The role of Intourist in controlling foreign travel is also investigated and an attempt is made to assess the impressions, gained by foreign visitors to the USSR, of its tourist organisation by analysing a questionnaire given to International Geographical Union participants in Moscow in 1976. The future developments of the Soviet tourist industry, both planned and probable, are speculated upon and the limitations of development to date are reviewed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:639213 |
| Date | January 1983 |
| Creators | Thomas, W. A. |
| Publisher | Swansea University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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