The Impact of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) on Sustainable Tourism in Gruyere, Switzerland

This investigation explores the extent to which Transnational Corporations (TNCs) impact sustainable tourism in Gruyere, Switzerland. The study applies Butler's Tourism Life Cycle Model to analyze the destination's development stage and its implications for sustainability.

Methodology includes systematic bi-polar surveys, land-use mapping, and photo analysis of product origins to assess economic and cultural sustainability. Findings reveal significant economic leakage, as TNC-made products dominate the town center, though local employment remains high. The author argues that while TNCs utilize local symbols, they risk cultural commodification, contrasting this with the sustainable model of the local cheese factory.

The exemplar is distinguished by its multi-method primary data collection and a critical evaluation of seasonal sampling bias.