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Copyright of Topical Issues of Tourism: Tourism & Its Impacts on Society is the property of College of Polytechnics Jihlava and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Topical Issues of Tourism: Tourism & Its Impacts on Society is the property of College of Polytechnics Jihlava and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Topical Issues of Tourism: Tourism & Its Impacts on Society is the property of College of Polytechnics Jihlava and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Topical Issues of Tourism: Tourism & Its Impacts on Society is the property of College of Polytechnics Jihlava and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Slovak Karst, one of the most extensive karst areas in Europe, includes many significant sites important from geological, geomorphological, paleontological, sedimentological, hydrogeological, ecological or biological point of view. As geotourism becomes more and more popular worldwide, it is necessary to identify and assess geological heritage to effectively use the area potential and develop this form of tourism. This paper is focused on quantitative assessment of geological heritage located on one of the most geomorphologically interesting parts of the whole Slovak Karst area - Plešivec Plateau. The purpose of this study is to set specific value (score) of identified geological heritage sites (geosites) in order to evaluate overall geotourism potential of the area. Selected geosite assessment method used in this study sets not only overall geotourism value of individual site but also gives information on scientific, educational, economic and added value of the site. On a relatively small area of the plateau, 17 locations of geological heritage (mostly caves) have been identified and assessed. Results of geosite assessments show that the area of Plešivec Plateau has undisputable geotourism potential. Moreover, many of assessed geosites are located on or near existing tourist trails, with starting/end points in places of supra-regional cultural and historical importance. So, there is an opportunity for geotourism development with minimal requirements for intervention in the environment, respecting principles of geotourism and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide geotourism growth and development often results in activities that are often connected to the geoparks - areas of geological heritage conservation, preservation and presentation. Geopark establishment represents one of the first steps in the process of geotourism development in any area. This paper is devoted to designation and description of legal formalities comprising of Acts and Announcements of Slovakia needed for geopark establishment in this country which has undisputed but still poorly used geotourism potential, including all the principal stages within the geopark establishment process: formation of the civil association, geopark building, and assessment of environmental impact. As geopark establishments positively affect geotourism development, support economic growth and sustainable development, it is desirable to make such activities that may help to run geoparks within geotourism attractive areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As geotourism concept is rapidly growing and developing, efforts to define, characterize and establish "geo-attractive" areas are more and more common all around the world. In addition to classical geoparks, there are smaller areas of significant geotourism importance that deserve attention. The paper is focused on the introduction of an entirely new "small-scale geopark" establishment in the Vihorlat Mountains, immediately at the Ukrainian border, north-eastwards from the Zemplínska Šírava Dam, which is relatively abundantly visited in the summer season. The area of proposed geopark is lacking in job opportunities, and geotourism development could offer one of few possibilities to generate job opportunities especially for young people. On a relatively small area, the proposed territory offers variegated geological features including four first-order geological units of the Carpathians, five mineralogical localities, unique locality of an abandoned quarry in the Pieniny Klippen Belt, karst phenomena, volcanic structures of five stratovolcanoes, one greater and five small landslide closed lakes, and mineral springs. Beside geological attractions, the following historical monuments are also present in the area: two castle ruins and four wooden churches (one of them inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List). There are also botanical objects, such as natural forests and protected parks in the area, too. Last but not least, three wineries producing high quality red and white wine are situated in the proposed geopark area, which also offer wine tasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]