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Day: 1 December 2021

Nice airport to debut new touchless check-ins

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/12/2021

Nice Côte d’Azur airport is doing its part to prevent the spread of Covid and other viruses by introducing new contactless registration machines on a trial basis for two months starting in December.

As the pandemic drags its heels and with the holiday season upon us, special precautions are being taken nearly everywhere to ensure the public is as safe and healthy as possible. One of these precautions, which was heavily cited in the early days, but much less so now, is the need to keep surfaces clean and virus-free to prevent infection.

Nice Côte d’Azur airport has taken this aspect into consideration and, starting Monday 6th December, will be testing a new touchless check in system for two months to allow travellers more peace of mind on their journeys.

The system came about as a collaboration between the airport’s technical and IT departments along with those of its partner EASIER and allow passengers to check in using their smartphones.

The technology is quite familiar to most people by now. By scanning a QR code displayed on the screen, the traveller can control the terminal remotely. The passenger then inputs all the relevant information, such as airline company, flight number and security procedures, on their phone. The machine then prints out a boarding pass and luggage labels without the traveller ever having to lay a finger on the screen.

The airport says security issues have been eliminated through the system’s ability to lock onto the specific user’s smartphone via the QR code connection. This means only a single user can operate that terminal at one time. If the passenger does not interact for 20 seconds, or moves too far from the machine without completing the operation, it cancels the transaction and goes back to the start. This eliminates the possibility of another passenger taking control of a process already in progress.

Though well-received by all the carriers, only Air France and Air Corsica will be offering the service during the test phase.

“Improving the filtration of the air within our terminals, putting in place all the conditions so that the barrier gestures are respected and maintaining our continuous surface disinfection operations find with this solution an additional means of limiting the risk of the propagation of virus,” said Franck Goldnadel, President of the Management Board of the Airports of the Côte d’Azur. “We are convinced that health security will remain a major issue for air transport in the future and we intend to implement everything that could act on the confidence of travellers, ground or flight personnel, and all those who work on our platform.”

Nice is far from alone on the digital tarmac. Several airports around the globe have been testing and using similar systems. The Norwegians have made all 44 state-owned airports touchless from end-to-end. Several airports in the USA, Australia, Germany, the UK and United Arab Emirates are some of the other countries incorporating new tech to make travel safer.

 
 
 
Top image taken from Nice airport video
 
 
 
 

Salah wins Golden Foot, Smith and Alves take home legends awards

by: Luke Entwistle
01/12/2021

Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah became the 19th recipient of the Golden Foot award at a star-studded ceremony in Monaco, as other greats of the game including Kelly Smith were also recognised.
Due to newly imposed travel restrictions in the UK, Salah could only be present for a brief time during the afternoon, as his wife picked up the prize on his behalf. To take out the top spot, Salah had to beat some serious competition including Monday night’s Ballon d’or winner Lionel Messi and prolific Polish goal scorer Robert Lewandowski.
The day was not only about recognising the achievements made by players over the last calendar year, but also about the career-long achievements of legends, both still playing and retired, within the game. Amongst them was Dani Alves, who has recently re-signed for Barcelona, all-time leading goal scorer for England women’s Kelly Smith, AC Milan great Paolo Maldini, Gunther Netzer and Gabriele Oriali.
During the afternoon press conference at the Fairmont Hotel, Dani Alves and Kelly Smith in particular expressed their gratitude at receiving the award – both reflecting on the barriers that they had to overcome in order to succeed.
Smith, England’s all-time top women’s goal scorer, told Monaco Life of the importance of winning the special award: “I think this is one of the most important things that has happened to me in my football career. It is amazing to be recognised and appreciated. When I first started playing football as a young kid, I never thought I’d reach the heights and the dreams that I have.”
In fact, as a youngster, Smith had to overcome major hurdles to find her path in football. “I had a lot of obstacles in my career growing up,” said the 43-year-old. “I was told I shouldn’t play football because I’m a girl. I was kicked off a couple of boys teams, but I didn’t listen to them, I just worked hard and got my head down.”
Dani Alves, who also picked up a legend’s award, had his own set of setbacks and hurdles to overcome. “I come from a small town in Brazil, where there are few opportunities, and when the opportunities come you have to make the most of them,” Alves told Monaco Life.
For both Alves and Smith, the importance of the award is two-fold: on a personal level it is recognition and appreciation of what they have done for the game, but it is also more global than that, as it inspires the next generation. “It’s all about leaving a legacy for young girls all across the world,” Smith said. “For me to be here today, I’m representing all those young girls, who dream of becoming a professional footballer.”
Alves added, “In the long run, the message I want to leave for the youngsters is that it doesn’t matter where they are from, or where they are, it only matters where they are going.”
As well as being an incredible personal achievement, the Golden Foot crystallizes one’s status as a football legend, serving as a beacon of hope for young, aspiring footballers across the globe; one which inspires them to overcome their own personal hurdles to make it in the game and emulate their heroes.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CW8XyRQI4Jw/?utm_medium=copy_link
 
Photo source: Golden Foot Awards
 
 
 

MEB at World Chambers Congress in Dubai

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/12/2021

The World Chambers Congress, held in Dubai last week, was a huge success for the Monaco Economic Board, which took the opportunity to strengthen contacts and prepare for future missions.

Organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the World Chambers Congress is a biennial event that brings together over a hundred chambers of commerce from around the world, attracting more than 1,200 participants both on site and virtually.

The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) took advantage of the chance to mix and mingle with decision-making representatives from other nations at this event, which took place in Dubai from 23rd to 25th November.

The MEB is a member of the ICC and is registered with them as a chamber of commerce.

The delegates were able to meet with key counterparts during the conference, notably with those from the Russian Chambers of Commerce in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan, as well as from Serbia, France and Belgium. They were also able to meet with Kevin Hin, former President of the Junior Economic Chamber of Monaco and current Secretary General of the Junior Chamber International.

The event gave the Board an opportunity to concurrently begin organising their upcoming mission to Dubai scheduled for 25th to 29th January to open lines of business in the Gulf countries.

Justin Highman and Guillaume Rose of the MEB with managers of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, photo credit DR

In this context, they met specifically with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, which is touted as the first free zone in the Emirates, the companies Equiom, Altiqa, Three Towers and Key Strategies, specialising in international business development and all based in both Monaco and Dubai, the economic authorities of the different states making up the United Arab Emirates and the management of the Monegasque Pavilion and in particular Albert Croesi.

Meetings were set up in anticipation for the upcoming trip where the MEB will alternate between appointments with the major economic players in the Gulf region and events at the Monegasque Pavilion at the Dubai 2020 Universal Exhibition.

Exceptionally, at the request of the Emiratis particularly interested in the prospect of receiving a delegation of Monegasque companies, a webinar will be carried out in advance of their arrivals, to present the companies to the various Emirati institutions so that they can find the counterparts most relevant to their individual needs. Many expatriate members of the Principality who reside in Dubai will also be involved in this mission.

 
Top photo: Guillaume Rose with Hamad Buamim, Président of the Chambre of Commerce and Industry of Dubaï, credit DR 
 
 

Thierry Boutsen honoured with special Eco Club prize

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/12/2021

Former Formula 1 driver Thierry Boutsen was awarded a special 10-Year Prize at the annual Eco Club Trophies ceremony on Tuesday.  

Thierry Boutsen spent a decade behind the wheel of Formula 1 race cars between 1983 and 1993, competing in 164 Grand Prix races, earning himself three wins and 15 podium visits as well as coming in second place two times in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

After 10 years racing, he retired to Monaco where he established Boutsen Aviation in 1997, a company that sells and acquires business jets. Just a year later, he established, along with his brother-in-law Olivier Lainé, Boutsen Ginion Racing, a team that competes in the World Touring Car Cup and TCR Benelux Touring Car Championships, as well as historically taking part in events such as the European Le Mans Series, Blancpain GT Series and the Eurocup Megane Trophy.

As a distinguished entrepreneur, he was honoured on Tuesday at the 10th edition of the Monaco-Matin Eco Club Trophies in a ceremony organised by the Monaco Economic Board. The event drew many local heavy-hitters and highlighted the dynamism and variety of the Principality’s unique economic fabric, both at home and abroad.

The event also rewarded other outstanding players in local business for their excellence and achievements.

Minister of State Pierre Dartout, addressed the crowd, congratulating the winners as well as the Grimaldi Forum for keeping in compliance to the health situation. He stressed that business and life can only continue as openly as it currently is if everyone continues to stay vigilant and stick to the rules, but even more importantly, that everyone must get vaccinated in order to help curb the spread of Covid.

“Vaccination and respect for barrier gestures are, at this stage, the most effective means to protect oneself and to protect others,” said Dartout. “The vaccine is shown every day to prevent the development of severe symptoms of the coronavirus. As the circulation of the virus intensifies, every effort must be made to ensure that the vaccination intensifies. It is by mobilizing ourselves collectively that we will ensure that the celebrations can take place without restrictions and that we will avoid confinement.”

 
Photo by Manuel Vitali, Government Communication Department
 
 
 

Christmas in Monaco: Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/12/2021

Feel the spirit of Christmas at the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo this festive season, where giant firs, Santa’s sleigh and sweet treats await the young, old and everyone in between.

From the moment guests enter the Hôtel Metropole, they will be transported to a wintery wonderland, filled with the warmth of the spirit of Christmas.

A canopy of stars light the pathway to the revolving door, where upon arrival a full-sized sleigh awaits, perfect for a souvenir photo or Christmas Instagram pic. Looking beyond that is a spectacular five-metre-high Christmas tree adorned with traditional ornaments and a thousand sparkling lights.  

The entrance to the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo, photo by Konio Production

In addition to the festive décor, Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo Executive Chef Christophe Cussac and Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano have created a delicious dessert this year: a delicate red log, echoing the magical Christmas décor, topped with caramelised cherries, on a bed of chocolate and crushed pistachios.

The renowned chefs are also offering another new sweet treat this December – waffles made from their own “secret” recipe and finished with a delicious array of toppings.

The Christmas log by Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo Executive Chef Christophe Cussac and Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano

Meanwhile, the hotel has organised some special activities for the kids this Christmas season. On 23rd and 31st December, children aged four to 12 staying at the hotel will be invited to join in two festive workshops featuring creative decoration-making sessions, using only “green” materials. By the time they head back to their rooms, they will have their arms full of beautiful ornaments and their heads full of nice memories. 

Then on Christmas Eve, Father Christmas will come to the hotel at 6pm to ask all the good boys and girls of Monaco what they want under their tree on Christmas Day. Parents are encouraged to take photos with their kids and the ultimate jolly old elf.

For a more grown-up affair, the hotel will offer a six-course Christmas Eve menu, and another on New Year’s Eve, during which pianist and crooner Patrick Raya will entertain guests with an eclectic playlist drawn from Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, The Doors, Serge Gainsbourg, Paolo Conte and Charlie Parker. 

Spa Metropole by Givenchy, photo by StudioPhenix

Additionally, the Spa Metropole by Givenchy is proposing a special gift from their luxury advent tree the entire month of December to the first person who enters each day. The spa is featuring three holiday treatment options, which are also available as gift vouchers: Glam Up by Givenchy, Le Soin Noir Renaissance Integrale, and The Ultimate Manicure and the Ultimate Pedicure by Bastien Gonzalez. The treatments come with a gift of perfume, Givenchy Day Make-up or glass of champagne if purchased as a gift voucher. 

To see more Christmas at the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo, visit Monaco Life Instagram: click here. 
 
SEE ALSO:

Monaco Experiences: Spa Metropole by Givenchy

 
Photo by Monaco Life