Beyond the Grand Prix: Unveiling Monaco’s Year-Round Appeal to Elite Travelers

Monaco shines: Record tourism and international recognition

The Principality of Monaco continues to exceed expectations in the global tourism landscape. During an elegant presentation held on March 18 at the emblematic Hôtel Méridien Beach Plaza, the Tourism and Conventions Authority revealed an extraordinary outlook, confirming Monaco as an undisputed elite destination.

The 2024 results show a very favourable trend: a 3-percentage point increase in hotel occupancy, surpassing previous records, accompanied by a 5% rise in average rates. These figures, far from being mere statistics, reflect the culmination of a meticulously designed strategy to position the Principality in the most exclusive segment of the international market.

Particularly noteworthy has been the recovery of business tourism, a sector that many experts considered permanently impaired after the global health crisis. Monaco has once again demonstrated its ability to reinvent itself, transforming challenges into opportunities.

Guy Antognelli, Director of Tourism and Conventions, presented an ambitious yet realistic roadmap for 2025. “Our vision is based on a calibrated balance: maintaining momentum in long-distance markets such as the United States and the Middle East, while also nurturing our European roots, ” he explained during his presentation.

The strategy includes specific initiatives for traditionally quieter periods, focusing on personalized experiences that complement the already iconic calendar of Monegasque events, from the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix to the prestigious Rose Ball. This approach aims to distribute tourist flow throughout the year, supplementing the Principality’s traditional events with new experiences that attract diverse visitor profiles.

The culminating moment of the event arrived when Pierre-André Chiappori, Government Counselor and Minister of Finance and Economy, officially received the “Best European Destination 2025” award. This recognition, granted on February 18 after a rigorous evaluation among dozens of continental destinations, solidifies the collaborative effort of an entire tourism ecosystem.

“This award not only honors our past but also commits us to a future where excellence and sustainability coexist harmoniously, ” said Chiappori, expressing gratitude to the professionals in the sector. Although the economic data is impressive, what is truly remarkable is how Monaco has achieved qualitative growth, attracting travellers who value authentic experiences in an incomparable setting. Within just 2 km², the Principality offers a unique concentration of art, culture, gastronomy, and wellness in a privileged Mediterranean environment.

The commitment to more conscious and sustainable tourism, combined with ultra-luxury services and enviable security, solidifies Monaco as an undisputed benchmark for 2025, promising not only to maintain its iconic status but also to redefine the standards of excellence in the global tourism industry.

The focus on quality over quantity of visitors defines the Monegasque tourism model, aimed at creating value for both visitors and the destination, reinforcing its position as a reference point in international tourism.