“The Principality of Monaco is the epitome of sustainable luxury, a fairy tale by the sea, the second smallest country in the world, with 300 days of sunshine, it is a year-round destination that is bound to leave you mesmerized.” Mr. Rajeev Nangia, India Director, Monaco Government Tourist Bureau.
Q. Comment on “Tourism Sustainability Strategies and Trends” in Monaco.
In Monaco, environmental protection has been treated as a way of life going forward and an issue of prime importance for many years. The Principality of Monaco is committed to a strong policy aimed at promoting sustainable development. The Principality has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving full carbon neutrality by 2050. In Monaco itself, actions are focused on biodiversity, resource management, and greenhouse gas reductions. The Destination and its partners are adopting solutions to ensure that resources are managed in the most efficient way possible. As an initiative to promote sustainable tourism, every year, Monaco hosts EVER Monaco, the biggest event dedicated to sustainable mobility and renewable energies in the Principality.
The Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority has launched a White Paper on Sustainable Tourism in Monaco, the result of a project begun in 2020. The White Paper on Sustainable Tourism comes at a time when the tourism sector, affected by the health crisis, is becoming acutely aware of its responsibilities and the need to rethink certain models. The aim of this document, based on surveys, benchmarks, and dialogue with stakeholders, is to provide a better understanding of current tourism in Monaco, to identify its strengths and weaknesses in order to lay the foundations for tourism in the future.
Q. What does Tourism in Monaco do to promote off-the-beaten track destinations to Indian travellers?
Our immediate focus is to emphasise on the various preventative health measures such as the Monaco Health Pass, Monaco Safe Label and other precautions like wearing a mask in public places, practicing social distancing, etc.
With the launch of the White Paper for Sustainable Tourism, we will continue to promote Monaco as an eco-friendly Destination.
Monaco as a destination is focused on providing guests with an exceptional experience visiting the Principality. Our aim is provide an experience that goes beyond a routine luxury.
Q. Are there any differences between your marketing strategy for India, and other Asian markets?
Every market is unique and Monaco always caters to each market uniquely. In India, we are focused upon leisure, honeymoon and celebrations market.
Q. What are your expectations for the current year from India?
The year 2020 presented an unprecedented challenge, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the world faced its biggest global challenge. Travel and Tourism, across the globe, was greatly impacted. Since most of the international borders have reopened and the scheduled international flights from India has also begun, we are very sure that India will be among the top outbound nations for the Principality of Monaco. Our efforts are focused to enhance the visitor’s arrivals figure into Monaco as soon as possible from India.
Q. What is the average length of stay recommended for the first time traveller from India to Monaco and what range of experiences can one expect during their stay?
Lot of Indian travel agents recommend a day trip to Monaco; however, this is not justified as travellers are unable to soak in the vibe of Monaco. So, we recommend at least 2-3 nights minimum stay in the Principality of Monaco. A visit to Monaco is an experience in itself, be it your first or one of your many visits. It is not about any one aspect but it’s all about the encompassing experience of hi-life that one can enjoy while in Monaco.
Connectivity
Be it by land, sea, air or rail, all roads lead to Monaco! There are many ways to reach Monaco, despite the fact that there is no international airport in Monaco. The nearest airport is Nice Cote d'Azur Airport, which is about 30km away in neighbouring France. Another option is to take a train. There are frequent services that connect Monte-Carlo to Nice, Cannes and Milan in France. Another way to get to Monaco is to travel by road via private car or bus.
Arrive like a star with Monacair – helicopter services which operates between Nice airport in France and Monaco. A bird’s eye view of the sapphire coast. The Monaco heliport is right at the edge of the water.
Vaccination and quarantine rules Monaco for Indians.
India is marked as a Green Zone by Monaco, however, the Indian traveller must complete their vaccination course with 2 doses along with a booster dose in order to travel to the Principality of Monaco.
Visa
Indians who wish to travel to Monaco must have a valid Schengen Visa.
Recommendation
Be it yachts to supercars; chic café to Michelin-starred dining; Royal casino to latest slot machines; wellness to well-being; entertainment and festivals to glamorous nightlife and outstanding hospitality to lavish rooms; experiences in Monaco are many, exclusive and outstanding.