Acta turistica nova, Vol. 1. No. 2., 2007.
Original scientific paper
Development Characteristics and Challenges of Tourism in Southeastern Europe, with Special Emphasis on Slovenia
Anton Gosar
Abstract
Abstract
In the past two decades, the tourism industry of the post-socialist countries of Southeastern Europe had to overcome multi-layered hurdles, which have not been felt in other countries of transition from communism to market economy and democracy. The lasting disintegration of Yugoslavia has had disastrous effects on the immediate business environment and on the economy of the region at the whole. In 2004 international visits to the post-socialist countries of SE Europe have finally reached the level they had at the beginning of the 1990’s. Europe is the tourism generating area for the region. But the regional preference of the tourism generating countries has changed: less trans-continental and increased regional exchange of tourists takes place at present. Three circles of regional interdependence and two weaker circles of west>east/north>south long distance reliance are registered. Accommodation facilities have become reduced in quantity but, with the increased foreign brand name hotel chains entering, have increased their quality. Once unthinkable tourism products, like gaming and gambling, have strengthened the existing Mediterranean, and in part Alpine natural and cultural tourist attractions of the area. Detailed analyses of the tourism sector of Slovenia shows a diverse ways of recovery, for which other regional economies have already set paths or, like in the case of Croatia, have moved even further. Promotional slogans, like “Croatia – as the Mediterranean once was” and “Slovenia Invigorates” express the different approaches countries have set to reach these goals. New tourism strategies and regional development master plans have replaced old. Ecologically conscious development is regarded a priority.
Keywords
Southeastern Europe; Yugoslavia’s disintegration; Slovenia; tourism, transitional economies
Hrčak ID:
36311
URI
Publication date:
16.10.2007.
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