The aim of the diploma thesis is to monitor and analyze cyclotourism in the selected region of the Czech Republic. The thesis focuses on The Elbe Trail and its economic benefits for the selected area, which is the Ústi region. The theoretical part of the thesis introduces the basic terms related to the cyclotourism, funding and organization of cyclotourism in the Czech Republic. The practical part analyzes the Elbe Trail as a tourist product and then evaluates the economic benefits of the Elbe Trail.

Cyclotourism is one of the most popular recreational activities nowadays, and specially protected areas are often chosen as a preferred destination. This thesis covers the issues that can arise from excessive tourist use of the area, or by not complying with the rules set by the law, or by an administration of the protected area. Cyclotourism has a considerate impact on the environment. The most affected components are vegetation, soil, aquatic ecosystems, and animals located near trails. Regulatory instruments of cyclotourism in specially protected areas are analysed and compared in this thesis. This analysis has covered four European countries, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, and Austria. The lowest level of restrictions was found to be present in the Czech Republic, the highest on the other hand in Austria. The degradation of the environment caused by cyclotourism is examined in the practical section of this thesis. On cycling routes in 9 specially protected areas, segments were randomly selected for sensitivity assessment... Indicators of sensitivity were: presence of a water body, forest, tourist attraction, elevation change level, and geological subsoil. Segments with increased sensitivity were visited and evaluated. Out of total of 73 segments with increased sensitivity, degradation...