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Zoos are one of the most visited tourist and leisure attractions. After all the important Central-European zoos closed in the spring of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a few weeks later they started to re-open. The main goal of this article is to evaluate how the number of visits developed after the first zoo re-openings and what specific factors limited attendances the most after the reopening, using the example of Czech zoos in May and June 2020. In addition to the information available on zoos’ online communication channels, the authors’ questionnaire survey data and attendance data provided by the zoos were used. The results indicate that the attendance was reduced the most by the obligation to buy tickets online, by the closure of state borders, and by a low limit on daily maximum number of visitors allowed. Different approaches to restricting zoos’ capacity are discussed and the use of the maximum number of people by surface area of visitor routes at one time to limit attendance is recommended. In the future, this could be a key factor for sustainability of many zoos.

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 Železné 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.

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.