Travel for Business - Monaco: a 5-star destination where 'bleisure' is no luxury

Here, every nook and cranny allows for immediate interaction, where spaces dedicated to work and moments of relaxation intertwine, creating an environment conducive to a healthy lifestyle and a real sense of well-being. Guy Antognelli, Director General of the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority, sums up the concept perfectly:

The destination has three key strengths: a rich calendar of events, a support system designed for organisers and a well-established reputation for safety. The Monegasque tourism industry, along with its partners, has created a veritable ecosystem that is attentive to visitors' needs from the moment they arrive, offering practical, well-structured solutions, including logistical aspects and transfers. For example, Nice's international airport (Nice-Côte d'Azur) links the Principality to more than 86 destinations around the world; thanks to an efficient motorway network, Monaco can be reached in less than 30 minutes over a distance of just 22 km. In addition, numerous underground car parks with direct pedestrian access to the city centre, as well as various soft mobility options, ensure safe and comfortable travel, making the overall experience even more enjoyable.

Events of excellence and conviviality

In Monaco, organising top-of-the-range events becomes a unique experience, thanks to more than 50 Destination Management Companies and seven convention centres that take care of every detail. The coordination provided by the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority makes the process extremely smooth, guaranteeing the success of events and turning every business meeting into a memorable experience.

It's not just a question of organisational efficiency: the real challenge is to create moments that combine work, pleasure and relaxation, drawing on recognised expertise in sectors such as sport, the medical sector and the automotive industry, all of which allow us to use tried-and-tested formats and respond perfectly to investors' objectives.

Among the infrastructures, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco occupies an emblematic place: this iconic institution celebrates its 25ᵉ anniversary this year. A benchmark venue for business tourism, it is also an important cultural centre, having hosted exhibitions by artists such as Monet and Turner, in partnership with internationally renowned museums and curators. Thanks to its innovative technological architecture, the Grimaldi Forum can be adapted to a wide range of formats and needs. With the extension of the new Mareterra eco-district, it will increase its exhibition capacity by 50%, while retaining its superb panoramic view over the Mediterranean.

The Sea Club Conference Centre, adjoining the Hotel Le Méridien Beach Plaza, also offers spaces conducive to networking in a relaxed atmosphere, with a panoramic terrace and state-of-the-art facilities. Another example is the Salle Belle Époque and Salle Eiffel at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, historic monuments with a splendid terrace overlooking the harbour.

These establishments not only offer top-of-the-range service, they also embrace the new values of hospitality. As Guy Antognelli points out: "Tomorrow's tourism will be inclusive, participative and sustainable" - a vision perfectly suited to Monaco, which stands out as a holiday destination, a business centre and a crossroads for international exchanges, where tradition and innovation blend harmoniously.

Sustainability that regenerates

In Monaco, sustainability has become a key principle of tourism, a major trend that permeates both business and leisure travel. Nearly 80% of Hotel rooms are environmentally certified and 97% of establishments have signed the Pact for Energy Transition. The events sector is also adopting responsible practices: venues, organisation and content are designed to minimise ecological impact.

The Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority runs a Sustainable Tourism unit, responsible for raising awareness among visitors, promoting existing initiatives and mobilising professionals (see White Paper on Responsible Tourism). At a time when the world is facing major changes, particularly in terms of climate and health, the tourism industry is becoming aware of its impact and is exploring practical ways of moving towards a more respectful model.

For Guy Antognelli, sustainability means regeneration: "It's no longer just about minimising the negative impact of travel, but ensuring that it has a positive economic, social and cultural impact, for the benefit of visitors, stakeholders and the local population".

Luxury for a Day

Monte-Carlo has always been synonymous with exclusive tourism, from glittering casinos to luxury yachts and 5-star hotels. Today, the city is evolving to appeal to a younger, more dynamic audience, without losing its unique identity. This repositioning relies on immersive experiences, innovative events and a livelier offering, making luxury accessible for a day.

The Fairmont Monte-Carlo, for example, offers original team-building activities: bike rides in spectacular settings, sea outings, all designed to strengthen team spirit in a fun and engaging way. Outdoor areas such as Nikki Beach can be privatised for exclusive events, offering a tailor-made luxury experience.

Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo has also adopted the Luxury for a Day concept, hosting an ephemeral spa by the prestigious Ligne St Barth cosmetics brand. These "affordable premium" offers allow everyone to discover exceptional venues, such as The Opéra de Monte-Carlo, the only European establishment to remain open during the pandemic, and which still hosts cutting-edge cultural performances today.

To mark the 150ᵉ anniversary of the Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the Société des Bains de Mer invites guests to discover some emblematic vineyards during the "Wine Days". The programme also includes exclusive dinners where Michelin-starred chefs, sometimes growing their own vegetables, sublimate local products typical of Mediterranean cuisine, creating dishes that tell the story of a gastronomy with a world flavour.

Monte-Carlo also has the perfect venues for all kinds of events. The Espace Fontvieille, for example, is ideal for gala dinners, private parties, shows and sporting events. The Odyssey area of the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, with its superb swimming pool and manicured gardens, provides another enchanting backdrop for outdoor events. The Hotel also offers three workspaces combining technology and comfort, creating the perfect environments for combining productivity and relaxation. Finally, the Salle des Étoiles - Sporting Monte-Carlo features large windows and a retractable roof, allowing spectators to admire the stars from the stage as well as those in the sky, for a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.

Bleisure tourism in this destination is boosting spending volumes and business travel traffic, confirming a clear return to pre-pandemic levels. The Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority will intensify its commercial actions in the most dynamic markets and work to revitalise key markets which, although still predominant, are no longer as active as before.

Tourism must learn from the impact and consequences of the crisis, and be inspired by new visions that respect natural resources, while valuing the contribution that individuals and communities can make.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that the recovery is also an opportunity to rebuild differently, and to fully assess the positive and negative impacts of this wonderful human activity," concludes Guy Antognelli, Director General of the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority.

One city, three countries

Thanks to its strategic position between Italy and the Côte d'Azur, Monte-Carlo offers a unique blend of luxury, international events such as the Monaco Yacht Show and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, as well as a wide choice of activities for relaxing after work and informal networking - for example at the Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Not forgetting escapes of pure pleasure, from the Provençal scents of Èze-sur-Mer to walks along the Ligurian coastline.