Tourism

The development of tourism evolved in parallel with that of public transport (the Bulle–Château-d’Œx stagecoach, the construction of a wooden bridge over the Javro in 1850, the Montreux–Bernese Oberland railway, and the Gruyère railway).

These regions appeared in the first travel guides and became the subject of travel writings as early as the beginning of the 19th century. Meanwhile, the Riviera had already become a popular destination in the 18th century, spurred by a literary event: the publication in 1761 of La Nouvelle Héloïse by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Around the same time, Chillon Castle became an emblem of Romanticism, celebrated by poets and painters alike. From the shores of Lake Geneva, tourists began venturing into the mountains, where resort towns developed throughout the 19th century. Les Avants and Caux attracted visitors to their hillside residences.

Tourism was initially a summer activity, shaped by romantic ideals of the Alps and the search for an idyllic pastoral life with chalets and armaillis leading rugged lifestyles. Gradually, a hotel industry emerged, along with tourism infrastructure. After the Second World War, the sector grew stronger with the rise and popularization of winter sports and the construction of ski lifts, particularly in Château-d’Œx, Rougemont, and Charmey.

At the dawn of the 21st century, the tourism economy was shaken by globalization. Demand began shifting rapidly: changing consumption patterns, intense competition, and the globalization of destinations. Municipalities faced the challenge of both promoting and diversifying existing tourism while also dealing with issues of restructuring, pooling promotional efforts, and financing tourism infrastructure. Climate change has further increased the pressure on Pre-Alpine ski resorts located between 900 and 2,100 meters above sea level.