This thesis has the aim to evaluate the role of gay spaces in Gran Canaria as a gay tourists destination with particular reference to gay exclusive resorts. The validation of the gay identity is a key motivation for homosexuals to travel, in order to connect with other homosexuals and experience the gay life that they might not be able to experience at home. Gay spaces have been defined both as liberated areas as well as ghettos, where the homosexuals are, in a way, restrained. The method chosen, a small number of semi- structured interviews with managers of gay exclusive resorts in Maspalomas, the hub of gay life in Gran Canaria, where major LGBT events are held, there is a gay friendly environment, a thriving gay scene and many gay exclusive resorts. In the case of Gran Canaria the gay-specific offer is complementary to the ‘regular’ tourism offer, as they coexist, complement and at times overlap. Nevertheless the gay centric holiday is still predominant amongst gay men, and it is likely to continue to be according to the informants. This is because gay tourists seek freedom and a sense of inclusion that they would not be able to find in mixed environments.

In contrast to East European cities, West European cities have increasingly targeted gay and lesbian travelers as part of their tourism campaigns. In order to exemplarily analyze the potential of international gay tourism for Budapest, nineteen semi-structured, in-depth interviews with non-Hungarian gay travelers, about their motivation to come and their experiences, were conducted in different gay establishments in the city. One result of the study is that their motivations for travel did not differ from "mainstream tourists"; while their expectations about gay life in the city were negative, their experiences were mixed. Implications for Budapest's city-marketing are discussed. (authors' abstract)

This master’s thesis is an interdisciplinary research on the ‘degaying’ process of Madrid’s gay neighborhood, Chueca, in the post-gay era and gay business owners’ entrepreneurial experiences. It strives to fill a gap in the literature in LGBT tourism studies, gender studies and entrepreneurial studies by giving voice to the LGBT community and creating contemporary knowledge and observation. The investigation involved conducting 11 qualitative semi-structured interviews with gay business owners in Chueca. The aim of this research was to shed light on the owners’ motivations in opening their businesses and to explore the challenges and changes they noticed throughout their time in the neighborhood, reviewing if Chueca has entered the post-gay era and is experiencing a degaying process. It also discusses other aspects of the district such as the marginalization of certain groups within it, its market economy and the city government’s role in gay tourism. The results of this study show that breaking the lavender ceiling is not one of the main motivations of owners in starting their businesses. Moreover, while the gay market is a profitable niche market, it is wiser for business owners to target both heterosexual and LGBT markets if possible. Lastly, Chueca has entered the post-gay era, although it is unlikely that the neighborhood will face dissolution due to its historical meaning and the fact that many people still feel more comfortable in Chueca than in other parts of the city. / <p>This thesis has been graded: VG</p>

This thesis deals with the Brazilian tourism market in relation to the Czech Republic with a focus on gay clientele. In the first part, the prerequisites for the development of tourism in the destination are analysed; the author assesses the selective, location and realization factors. The next chapter focuses on the characteristics of Brazilian outgoing tourism - both generally and in relation to the Czech Republic. A part of this chapter deals with the incoming tourism and the organization of tourism in Brazil. The author then compares package tours of Czech travel agencis to Brazil. The last chapter is devoted to the characteristics of gay tourism. The author assess the situation of the gay community in the Czech Republic and Brazil, and characterizes the prerequisites for the development of this form of tourism in both countries. The thesis ends with a structured interview with the author of PinkGo, the new project of ESO travel agency.