Business under state control: foreign tourism in the USSR in 1930-1980

The article discusses the specifics of the organization to attract and service foreign tourists by Intourist in the USSR in the 1930-ies. The author defines the concept of «acquisition» as an assessment indicator of accomplishment of performance targets for the reception of tourists and «tour-day» as valuation service classes. The reasons for the need to provide comprehensive services to foreign tourists on the territory of the USSR and the form of its organization are given. The elements of the structure created by Intourist and capable to ensure the involvement of foreign tourist are Identified. They include organization of agencies in the border areas and cities of the USSR, the conclusion of agreements on cooperation with foreign tourist compa- nies, steamship and railway companies, and, ultimately, the Intourist offices abroad. Examples of the development of commercial offers and methods of commercial activity are shown. The ways of advertising to attract tourists in foreign markets are described. The author considers in detail the content of the classes of service, gives characteristic of their change in the 1930s and in 1960-1970-ies. The article analyzes the evolution of the “General Instructions on service of tourists” and the emer- gence of separate documents regulating the performance of Intourist commercial activities. The author highlights the role of government regulation in the development of foreign tour- ism and the specifics of the Intourist activities after the creation of the body of state for foreign tourism management. The article concludes that the activities of the «Intourist» in the 1930s contributed to the foreign tourism development and created conditions for a leading position in international tourism in the 1970-80-ies.