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Argues that the development of small economic enterprises is vital for a transitioning economy. Reorganization of the tourism industry within a transition economy in Slovakia; Usage of networks by small businesses; Small businesses' provision of an outlet for specialized workers to start their own firm; Combination of the fields of small business behavior, transition economies and tourism development.

Alternative or gay tourism is receiving greater attention in both the business and academic worlds. This segment of the tourism market is found to travel more frequently than the 'straight' market and is more recession-proof in their travel behaviour. Studies have indicated that gay tourism is, however, rather spatially concentrated in the United States and Western Europe. This research focuses on gay-orientated infrastructure as opposed to tourists. The paper looks at the spatial distribution of gay tourism and recreation establishments around the world. It was found that even though the clustering of such infrastructure does indeed occur in the USA and Western Europe, certain places exist as 'islands' of regional importance in the gay travel network. These 'islands' could be marketed as emerging gay centres in efforts to broaden the gay travel market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The community of Sotiras on the Greek island of Thasos has experienced two distinctive periods of economic boom during the twentieth century separated by a long period of decline and abandonment. Early in this century, a mining economy flourished, while today the community functions as a haven for seasonal visitors. This paper compares the socio-economic and spatial impacts of both periods via personal interviews and examination of letters of long-time inhabitants of the village. These sources seem to imply that the current growth period is less welcome by the native Sotirans . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]