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RED Riviera: Gender, Tourism & Postsocialism on the Black Sea, The (Book); GHODSEE, Kristen Rogheh, 1970-; BULGARIAN history; BULGARIAN economy; RESORTS

This article presents information on the book "The Red Riviera: Gender, Tourism, and Postsocialism on the Black Sea," by Kristen Ghodsee. When Americans think of Bulgaria, it is unlikely they think it as resort destination. Yet, according to Kristen Ghodsee, the country boasts seaside resorts with pale, fine-sanded beaches similar to those in Antigua or Thailand. Tourism, she notes, was a healthy part of the economy before the changes, as Bulgarians understate the events of 1989. And the sector has grown in the post-Communist era, representing more than 12 percent of the gross domestic product in 2004. Women have dominated the sector and its sought-after and surprisingly prestigious jobs, writes Ghodsee.