Dana Fialová

Culinary Tourism Packages and Regional Brands in Czechia

Abstract The paper discusses the ‘Regional Brand’ initiative as the regional quality certification with potential to build links with viable rural tourism products. This branding system is explained in the context of a multi-functional paradigm in the development of viable rural economies. A questionnaire survey of certified producers conducted for the first part of the research within this paper revealed mainly a strong awareness of the regional branding system, however, with underused further potential. In the second phase of the research, a qualitative study was conducted in the model region of Vysočina, Czechia, and the results of semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs in culinary tourism about their involvement in the creation of tourist packages and their cooperation with regional brands were analyzed. The conclusion stresses the need for a significantly more effective interconnecting body at the regional level with the capability of creating fertile links between rural tourism and regional products.

Tourist Intensity in Capital Cities in Central Europe: Comparative Analysis of Tourism in Prague, Vienna and Budapest

Abstract Urban tourism has become a significant phenomenon of tourism over the last decade. the importance of urban tourism has grown mainly due to the development of transport and information technologies. rapid advancement of low cost airlines and reduction of administrative barriers owing to the expansion of the schengen area caused not only the development of a number of urban destinations, including Prague, but also the growth of new source markets. this paper compares the development of urban tourism in Prague with the situation in Vienna and Budapest in the last decade. the aim of the paper is to describe the main trends of tourism development and the geographic distribution of tourism in Prague in comparison with culturally and historically similar cities - Vienna and Budapest. the analysis shows high load of tourism in Prague and its strong concentration in the old city. this causes congestion in the city centre and an extrusion of residential functions by the functions of tourism. As a result, a tourism ghetto has been formed in the centre of Prague and the urban society has been increasingly dualized.

THE OWNERS OF SECOND HOMES AS USERS OF RURAL SPACE IN CZECHIA

Although the second home tourism is considered to be an element of the lifestyle of a predominantly urban population, it has a strong influence on rural life. Thus, research on the relations within both urban and rural communities that share the transforming space seems crucial for future rural development. This article focuses on second home owners and users as significant agents in the transformation of the Czech countryside. Available statistical data indicates a high number of second homes with an uneven location pattern in the landscape. Primary data, based on our own field surveys, in-depth interviews and observations, show the significant social impact of second home tourism on the local social environment. The models of conflicts, coexistence and cooperation are investigated in selected peripheral areas in Czechia. Our own contribution to the research is in the specific focus on community development in municipalities with a significant tourist and recreational function. The major aim is to demonstrate and discuss linkages between second home owners and users and territorial identity with the use of empirical data. Our crucial findings contradict statements about conflicts in relations between the local population and incomers from cities. Especially long-term cottage users are no longer considered as outside invaders in rural areas, which used to cause social conflicts. The differences between second homes and primary residences seem to be more blurred than in the past. The conclusion outlines the possible future directions of research with focus on social capital, multiple dwelling and semi-migration concepts.

BARRIERS IN FUNCTIONING OF CZECH GEOPARKS IN THE CONTEXT OF DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES

The article focuses on geoparks as areas with a specific form of local heritage protection. It contributes to a research into two interconnected fields: firstly, the research into local people’s participation in local development; secondly, the research into tourism sustainability. Discussion of foreign publications reveals that in the context of Czechia geoparks are misunderstood concept. This argument is supported by a case study from one part of the National Geopark Železne hory. The field research proved that there are significant barriers to meeting the purpose of geoparks. Two conditions are required in geoparks: the possibility of cooperation among local actors and the ability to be competitive through a diverse offer of services and products. The paper discusses factors affecting the actual state of society and their operation in the local development. The aim of the paper is to identify the obstacles to the development of geoparks as a reflection of the problems in local and regional development. In addition, the article deals with possible instruments for the management of geoparks and their utilization for effective coordination of local development.

Changing uses of free time in Czechia and Germany

The article aims to describe changes in the ways people in developed countries spend their free time and the associated impacts on free time and tourism industries. The first part of the paper is devoted to general trends and theoretical concepts. The second part compares German and Czech societies and shows the impact of changes in the utilization of free time on free time and tourism industries in Germany and Czechia. Data acquired from public surveys in both countries were used for this comparison. Average household expenses for particular services and products, provided by the German and Czech Statistical Offices, were used as a second primary data source.