A new promotional campaign has been rolled out called ‘Monaco is FOR YOU’ and is directed at tourism professionals and casual travellers alike.
The Monegasque Tourism and Convention Department has initiated a new promotion to replace ‘Destination Monaco’. Rather than a vague request to experience the Principality, they believe FOR MONACO is an invitation to explore and enjoy all there is on offer.
“With this new campaign, our goal is to position the Principality as a destination that reinvents itself, staying true to its DNA,” says General Manager of Tourism, Guy Antognelli.
He adds that the significant elements that make Monaco a special destination: excellence, achievement, ethics, commitment, quality and expertise to name a few, are still the same as they ever were, only now there is more of a call to arms, rather than a passive approach.
The elements that comprise FOR YOU are based on 10 major themes: culture, gastronomy, sport, family, games, weekend getaways, responsible tourism, nightlife, spa related, and conventions and it covers all segments of touristic activity in Monaco. The target markets for the initial launch are primarily European and America, and include the French, British, Swiss, Russian, Italian, Belgian, Austrian and German markets.
Tourism is an extremely important part of the economy and this new campaign is meant to exploit that fact for the best outcomes for local business and visitors alike.
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Interview: Manuel de Vasconcelos, General Manager of Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel
From Lisbon to Paris, Pittsburgh to San Paolo, Manuel de Vasconcelos has headed some of the largest hotels in many of the world’s most famous cities.
For the past seven years he has been General Manager of Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel and he spoke to Monaco Lifeabout the fine art of diplomacy in the world of luxury hospitality.
Manuel de Vasconcelos
Monaco Life: Manuel tell us where it all began for you…
Manuel: I started working in hotels as a breakfast waiter and night porter, and I didn’t see myself working in hotels all my life because I wanted to go into diplomacy. But there was a revolution at the time in Portugal and the universities were on strike, so I left for London and started working; then I carried on in Switzerland as a waiter and at reception. One day my father came to me and said: “Are you going to be a waiter all your life?” and while I was making good money with no responsibility, I thought perhaps he was right. So, I went to hotel school in Switzerland and then I joined Hilton for seven years, which took me to Columbia, Brazil and Pittsburgh. After that I worked for Sheraton in Portugal, San Paolo, Lisbon, and my first job as a general manager was in San Sebastian. Then I went to Paris for 10 years and moved here seven years ago.
How many languages do you speak?
Four fluently: Spanish, English, French and Portuguese, plus I can manage German and Italian.
Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel
Are you happy with the direction you took in life?
Yes, because this job is, in many ways, similar to diplomacy. Every time I have lived abroad, I have had good friends in embassies and consulates because they are all doing a job like me. In my career, I have to make things work; I must deal with situations and find ways to settle things, because I work through people. You are not only measured by your results but what you achieve through other people.
And you are dealing with hundreds of staff here, it’s like a little village…
Yes it is. In winter we have 290 staff members, in the summer it reaches as high as 550.
What is your favourite city you have worked in?
It is hard to say. Paris is fantastic, the life and culture, and all the new and exciting things they have there. Monaco is great, I love the auto racing, the beaches, everything. San Sebastian is wonderful because it is perhaps the best place to eat in Europe. Lisbon is a fantastic city. San Paolo in Brazil is amazing. Even Pittsburgh, it is in the centre of the United States but it is beautiful because it sits in the middle of three rivers. Colombia is also incredible.
Did you get the opportunity to go back to your father as a successful hotel general manager and say “Look where I am now!”?
Actually, he passed away before I was general manager but I was already number two at the Sheridan in my home city in Portugal. So that was nice.
View of the bay from Le Meridien
Le Meridien is competing against some incredibly famous institutions in Monaco like the Hôtel de Paris and the Hôtel Hermitage. What sets this apart from the rest?
Our number one advantage is the fact we have our own private beach. Stepping out of the hotel and straight onto the sand is unique in Monaco. We also have three swimming pools, a heated one inside and two external pools.
Twiga beach at Le Meridien
Tell me about the best rooms you have in the hotel? What’s above floor number nine?
All of our suites are on floor 11. Then a few years ago we renovated the 10th floor and we added six more suites, so now guests can connect four different rooms. It’s great for big families and the like.
I hear there are private elevators in some suites?
There are two presidential suites on the 12th floor, one in each tower, and they each have a private elevator. The 360 degree view they have up there is wonderful.
A suite in Le Meridien
It is also a unique hotel because it is was built in the 1970s but still feels very contemporary…
It is part of the brand message: the hotel reflects what you can find in your destination. But we try to present things that people usually do not see all the time in Monaco. With the art, for example, we exhibit work that is different from others in the Principality. We are trying to create new things all the time, we don’t like to stand still. We like to create life and movement, for both the clients and staff.
Le Meridien features regular art exhibitions
What are some of the challenges you face being a hotel manager?
The most satisfaction I have is gained from personal contacts, which can also be the biggest challenge as well. There are some people who are more difficult than others, but it is part of the job, and I like that. Over the years, in the many countries I worked, I have learned that mentality can vary significantly, and that is nice.
So, what’s next for Le Meridien?
We just created a new kids club on the upper terrace for children in summer, which is very popular with families. Sometimes we have about 50 to 60 kids a day in August, so it’s a great option for parents who would like some rest.
After the summer we will start renovating the 11th floor. Then we will renovate our convention centre, which spans 3,000sqm and hosts many private and corporate events, especially during the winter.
Apart from that, everything else has been done!
Prince Albert to honour Robert Redford at Monte-Carlo Gala
It has been announced that world-renowned actor, activist, director and producer Robert Redford will be honoured at the third annual Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean this September. Redford will join previous honourees Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom in receiving the award.
Robert Redford. Photo: World Travel & Tourism Council
Organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundationon the terraces of the Opera of Monaco, the Gala will conclude a week of activities dedicated to the health of the Ocean. In bringing together global policymakers, business leaders, scientists, and celebrities, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco will once again shine a light on solutions to the existential crisis facing the world’s Ocean and its connection with climate change.
“We are delighted to honour Robert Redford, who has highly contributed to raising awareness about the environmental challenges the world is facing,” said HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. “Mr. Redford is a long-time champion for climate change action, and it is our privilege to celebrate his life’s work.”
Monte Carlo Gala for the Ocean. Photo credit: TUFF
“I am honoured to be recognised by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and his Foundation,” said Robert Redford. “The Prince’s tireless leadership in the fight to preserve and protect our Ocean sets an example we all should follow. It’s our responsibility to work together to overcome the challenges before us in the fight to save our Ocean – and in turn, our planet.”
Mr. Redford has devoted his career to spurring meaningful change through the power of media. In his films, including All the President’s Men, The Candidate, Quiz Show, Out of Africa, and Truth, there has always been an underlying message of responsibility and advocacy, whether for the truth itself or for the preservation of the earth and those that inhabit it.
In 1981, Mr. Redford founded the Sundance Institute. The non-profit’s annual Sundance Film Festival is one of the largest and most respected of its kind, attracting a global audience to the work of emerging artists in independent film.
In 2005, Mr. Redford and his son, James Redford, established the Redford Centre, dedicated to harnessing the power of film, video, and new media to engage people through inspiring stories that galvanize environmental action.
And in December 2015, Mr. Redford delivered an inspiring message at the UN Assembly before the COP 21, on behalf of the National Resources Defence Council of which he has been a trustee for over 40 years.
Previously, the Foundation has honoured Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Award for their work to protect and preserve the Ocean.
All proceeds from the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean and its auction will support the Foundation’s Ocean initiatives, which make up 60 percent of its philanthropic portfolio and include the development of marine protected areas, the protection of threatened marine species, the mitigation of the impact of climate change and acidification on the ocean and the fight against plastic pollution.
In 13 years, the Foundation has supported over 470 projects around the world for a financial amount of more than 55 million euros.
Playing a key role in climate regulation, the Ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, produces 50 percent of the oxygen that we breathe and absorbs 25 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Overfishing, illegal fishing, rising temperatures and increased pollution are severely disrupting the Ocean’s balance.
This year’s gala will be the culminating event of a week of activities dedicated to saving the Ocean, including the launch of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) latest report on the Ocean and climate change in Monaco.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”reg,2″ ihc_mb_template=”1″]A no-deal Brexit will make travelling with furry friends to the EU a lot more complicated, according to the British government. With delays up to four months possible, entering the European Union with pets will now be subject to certain regulations, the same as those for someone entering with pets from outside the EU.
Photo: Pixabay
If the UK leaves without a deal the following rules will need to be followed in order for pets to gain entry.
All pets will require a microchip.
Pets must have a blood sample taken a minimum of 30 days after its most recent rabies vaccination (this goes for both vaccinations and boosters).
A vet then needs to send the blood sample to an EU approved blood testing lab, which will check that your pet has a certain level of rabies antibodies in its blood. If the level is not high enough, then your pet will need a booster vaccine.
You cannot travel until three months after a successful rabies test.
10 days or less before your departure date, it is necessary to obtain an animal health certificate from your vet. To get the certificate you will need to provide proof that your pet is microchipped, a complete vaccination history and a successful rabies test result. The certificate will only be accepted if it has been issued within 10 days of your date of travel and will be valid for four months from the date of issue.
You do not need a new blood test every time you travel, but you will need a new health certificate if issuance was more than four months from the last one.
If the proper paperwork is not presented at the border, pets could be subject to quarantine up to four months, or in the case of sea travel, refused entry altogether. Charges accrued during the period of quarantine will be the responsibility of the pet owner.
The British government currently says it will still allow pets coming from the EU into the UK to enter on their existing passports, despite there being no reciprocity.
Five works from Brazilian artist Romero Britto will be exhibited at an exclusive gathering this Saturday at the Monaco Yacht Club, organised by renowned arts and lifestyle media commentator and entrepreneur Natalia Cola.
Nude on the beach by Romero Britt
Romero Britto’s work is often referred to as the ‘art of happiness’, thanks to his distinctive style that blends Pop Art with Cubist-like abstraction. His colourful illustrations have been commissioned by the likes of the Super Bowl, the Olympics, the World Cup and Disney, and hang in galleries and museums around the world.
He has also recently completed a portrait of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene.
Romero Britto
Born in 1963 in Recife, Brazil, Romero Brittois a self-taught artist who finds inspiration in, among others, Matisse and Andy Warhol, as well as the Prince of Wales, whose charity he happens to be on the board of.
“HSH Prince Albert and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco are also such an inspiration,” adds Romero. “I’m so honoured to have done their portrait, and I am super excited to be joining the incredible Natalia Cola and her family this weekend at the beautiful yacht club, and I am very much looking forward to seeing friends and collectors in Monaco.”
Mona Cat by Romero Britto
It will be Romero’s first stand-alone exhibition in the Principality and follows a recent auction by Sotheby’s London that saw two of his works sold for £290,000. The artist does, however, make a point of pricing his artwork so they are accessible to all.
“His work can be very expensive, which is important to collectors as his pieces will always grow in price,” says Natalia. “But some are also very well priced, which is his wish.”
Natalia Cola
Money raised from the auction of those two paintings in London went to the Richard House Children’s Hospice, one of 250 charitable organisations that the artist supports.
“I’m honoured to be part of such an incredible platform to do good and make our world a better place each day and to help young people reach their potential,” says the artist. “I think it is incredible for everyone to share their passion, resources and time to a charitable cause.”
Only five paintings will be on show at the invitation-only event at the Yacht Club of Monaco on Saturday, and they are all expected to sell out.
As part of the government’s ongoing energy transition policy, the École des Révoires was fitted with thermal solar panels over the summer, making the school’s hot water supply 100% self-sufficient.
PHOTO: Maintenance Service of Public Buildings, provided by Government of Monaco.
The project, undertaken by the Public Buildings Maintenance Department, produces upwards of 1,000 litres of hot water per day, enough for the daily requirements of the school.
The additional fittings complement the photovoltaic solar panels installed at the end of 2018 which provide 20% of the school’s electricity needs.
Both of these endeavours are in compliance with the Prince’s Energy Transition Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in the Principality by 2030, and to attain carbon neutrality by 2050. The three-prong approach is directed at the biggest emission culprits, namely road transportation, public waste and energy used by homes and offices. These three alone account for roughly 90% of Monaco’s emissions.
To this end, the Public Buildings Maintenance Department will also be installing almost 500m2 of photovoltaic panels on the Fontvieille Fire Station before the end of 2019, producing 88,000KWh of electricity and reducing 7.2 tons of CO2 emissions every year.
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