Eastern Europe

Where to go and why

As the former Soviet block has opened up, the hotel companies have gone in with gusto. Several international chains are expanding in places such as Warsaw, Budapest and Prague. The Baltic states and Russia are also getting their fair share of investment and tourism. In Croatia, UK-based Wren's Hotels has bought and is refurbishing three hotels.

Speaking a language, often German, is an asset, although Russian is more useful in the Baltics.

While few places are actually undiscovered, many still have that "unexplored" feel. Being first on the block can be the challenge many are looking for.

Money

Currency: Czech Republic: koruna; Hungary: forint; Poland: zloty; Russia: rouble.

Salaries: Usually paid in deutschmarks or US dollars.

Taxes: Unlikely to pay locally.

Employers

International chains: Radisson SAS; Westin; Marriott; Six Continents; Kempinski.

Regional chains: RF Hotels (St Petersburg); Wren's Hotel Group (based in UK with two hotels in Croatia); Scandic Hotels; Corinthia International (Prague).

Living/working conditions

Language may be the biggest problem, although English is increasingly spoken by the younger generation. The culture and history of the countries should offer plenty to do on days off.

Often the old-style Soviet work ethic persists, so staff training is likely to be high on the list of most managers. The younger employees understand the need to modernise and some places, such as Prague, are now more familiar with tourism.

Red tape

Work permit needed. The employer will need to sort out the bureaucracy.

Health

Make sure private healthcare is included in your package.

Developmental outlook

Warsaw, Budapest and Prague have undergone phenomenal growth in hotel terms over the past five years. Everywhere is described as "the new Prague" by travel writers, and the city itself has developed from welcoming tourists to the more sophisticated market of servicing the corporate community.

Russia is slowly opening up, with the economic instability the key factor in making outside investors wary. St Petersburg has seen considerable activity, with RF hotels refurbishing the Astoria hotel and Radisson SAS opening a new hotel on the main Nevsky Prospekt.

Useful links

Loughborough University has a good general resource page: http://careers.lboro.ac.uk/info_overseas.html