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Month: July 2025

European tourism grows modestly in Q2 2025 as long-haul markets and off-season demand drive resilience

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/07/2025

Europe’s tourism industry posted a stable performance in the second quarter of 2025, with international arrivals up 3.3% year-on-year, underpinned by growing off-season travel and renewed interest from China and the US.

Despite persistent economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainty, Europe’s tourism sector demonstrated steady resilience, according to the European Travel Commission’s latest ‘Trends & Prospects’ report. While the number of nights spent by tourists declined slightly by 0.7%, likely due to calendar effects such as a later Easter, international arrivals rose modestly — a sign that demand remains strong even amid elevated costs.

ETC President Miguel Sanz acknowledged the sector’s continued adaptability, urging destinations to invest in innovation and more sustainable, inclusive tourism models that meet the expectations of both visitors and local communities.

Sun-seeking travellers drive off-season momentum

Off-season travel continues to gain traction, particularly for sun and beach destinations. A surge in spring getaway searches — up 36% among European travellers — was largely driven by interest in avoiding peak-season heat and crowds. Destinations like Malta (+19%) and Cyprus (+16%) saw notable gains, while Spain and Portugal also benefited from this extended seasonal demand.

Meanwhile, Central and Eastern European countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, and Hungary experienced year-on-year growth in arrivals of over 14%, supported by improved air connectivity and a broader recovery from the pandemic and regional instability.

Tourist spending rises despite price sensitivity

Although travel-related costs have risen — with international flights to Southern Europe up 5% and package holidays up 7% — total travel expenditure is forecast to increase by 13% in 2025. The data suggests tourists are travelling more strategically, seeking better value while spending more on quality experiences. Destinations like Spain, Cyprus and Malta reported substantial revenue growth, particularly during the off-peak months.

US and Chinese visitors boost long-haul travel

Travel from the United States remains a bright spot, especially for destinations in Northern and Southern Europe. Overnight stays by Americans increased by 35% in Norway and 24% in Denmark, while Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece also saw strong gains. Lower airfares between the US and major European cities have helped offset broader economic concerns.

China’s return to the European travel map is also gathering pace. Arrivals from Chinese travellers are up in all reporting destinations, with significant growth in Croatia (+7%), Estonia (+15%) and Romania (+20%). The recovery is expected to strengthen further, aided by expanded flight routes and growing interest in Europe as a preferred destination amid global uncertainty.

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Photo of Malta, credit: CALIN STAN, Unsplash

Monaco’s embassy in Spain marks 20 years of Prince Albert II’s reign

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/07/2025

The Monaco embassy in Madrid has hosted around 200 guests—from Spanish officials to cultural figures—to honour the 20th anniversary of Prince Albert II’s accession, celebrating longstanding ties and shared values.

The embassy’s elegant reception on 26th June commemorated Prince Albert II’s accession on 6th April 2005, bringing together prominent Spanish dignitaries, Monaco’s honorary consuls, artists, and diplomats to mark the milestone.

Ambassador recalls Prince’s global influence

Ambassador Catherine Fautrier celebrated two major achievements of Prince Albert II: his steadfast commitment to environmental protection and his dedication to international development. She highlighted how these have elevated Monaco’s role on the world stage.

A celebration of 500 years of Monaco–Spain friendship

Fautrier also emphasised the five-century shared history between Monaco and Spain. She reminded guests that 2026 will mark the 150th anniversary of Monaco’s diplomatic presence in Madrid, noting that the occasion will strengthen the deep bonds built on human rights, sustainability, sport and cooperation.

Cultural and culinary exchange fosters goodwill

The event provided more than just toasts. Guests enjoyed Monegasque and Spanish delicacies sourced through short supply chains, reflecting Monaco’s dedication to environmental responsibility and local heritageen.gouv.mc+1ambassade-en-espagne.gouv.mc+1.

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Photo credit: Julia Robles

Free summer concerts return to Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/07/2025

The Mairie de Monaco has unveiled its 2025 summer concert programme, featuring a lively series of free, open-air performances across the Principality. Spanning from 9th July to 20th August, the concerts will bring a variety of genres to some of Monaco’s most scenic public spaces.

Square Gastaud will once again set the stage for three evenings of music from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. The series opens on Wednesday 9th July with a vibrant blend of gipsy, rumba and flamenco rhythms. It continues on 23rd July with a high-energy evening of pop rock, dance and soul, and concludes on 6th August with a nostalgic tribute to classic French chansons from the 1950s to 1970s.

Larvotto beach concerts add coastal flair

The beachside venue of Place Anne-Marie Campora at Larvotto will host two special concerts. On 16th July from 8pm to 10pm, young musicians from Réunion Island will present a philharmonic performance. Then, on 20th August from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, audiences can enjoy a soulful set featuring rhythm and blues classics.

Free access and community atmosphere

All concerts are free to attend, offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy Monaco’s summer atmosphere through music. These events are part of the mairie’s annual cultural agenda aimed at enhancing the Principality’s vibrant public life.

For more information, contact +377 93 15 06 02 or visit www.mairie.mc.

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Michelin Guide sets sights on Saudi Arabia with 2026 debut edition

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/07/2025

Saudi Arabia is set to join the elite global destinations spotlighted by the Michelin Guide, with the launch of its first national restaurant selection in 2026. The announcement marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s growing culinary recognition, placing its chefs and eateries under the watchful eye of the world’s most respected dining authority.

The 2026 Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia will cover the major cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, with inspectors also exploring gastronomic offerings in AlUla, Khobar, and other emerging culinary hubs. The first round of selections is scheduled to be released in three stages between October and December 2025, with updates posted monthly on the Guide’s official platform.

Anonymous inspectors are already working across the country, following Michelin’s rigorous evaluation system. Their criteria—ranging from ingredient quality to consistency and the unique personality of the cuisine—will shape the final selection, which could include coveted Michelin stars and Bib Gourmand recognitions.

A changing culinary landscape

The decision to expand into Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s swift transformation into a destination of international interest. With sweeping reforms encouraging tourism and entertainment, food has played an increasingly central role in that evolution. From heritage dishes such as kabsa and masabeeb, to the presence of upscale dining concepts in glitzy complexes like VIA Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s culinary offering is becoming as diverse as it is ambitious.

Inspectors reportedly observed a rich mixture of influences, including American, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, and Thai cuisine, alongside traditional Saudi fare. The new Michelin edition is expected to reflect this eclecticism, rewarding restaurants that combine quality with creativity and authenticity.

More than just stars

Beyond the culinary kudos, the Michelin Guide’s arrival is likely to bolster Saudi Arabia’s wider ambitions. Tourism officials and local chefs see the Guide as a tool for cultural diplomacy, and a magnet for affluent travellers and food lovers eager to explore a region often overlooked on the global dining map.

The collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission signals a broader commitment to elevating local talent, preserving culinary traditions, and encouraging global standards of excellence. As the Guide prepares to publish its inaugural listings, eyes across the Gulf—and the globe—will be watching closely.

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Photo credit: Ekrem Osmanoglu, Unsplash

Monaco celebrates stellar results in 2025 Baccalauréat exams

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/07/2025
Baccalauréat monaco

Students across the Principality have excelled in this year’s Baccalauréat, with nearly 99% of candidates in the general series passing their exams in the first round.

For the general series, which includes students from Lycée Albert Ier and Lycée François d’Assise – Nicolas Barré, the pass rate reached 98.98%. Among these, an impressive 246 students received honours, with 65 earning the highest distinction of ‘Très Bien’, including six who were awarded jury commendations.

The technological series also recorded strong results, with a 94.12% success rate. Sixty-four percent of students earned honours, including eight with a ‘Bien’ distinction and 25 with ‘Assez Bien’. Meanwhile, the vocational series at Lycée Rainier III achieved a 95.59% pass rate, with 47 students receiving honours, among them 11 ‘Très Bien’ – two of whom received jury commendations.

Strong outcomes in higher education programmes

Higher education candidates in Monaco also delivered excellent outcomes. Both the BTS in Support to Managerial Action and the BTS in Accounting and Management at Lycée Rainier III posted a flawless 100% pass rate. In the BTS for Hospitality and Restaurant Management, 16 out of 17 students successfully passed.

Government commends students and educators

With an overall first-round success rate of 97.82% across all Baccalauréat series, the Princely Government has issued a message of heartfelt congratulations to all successful candidates, recognising their commitment and perseverance. The government also highlighted the exceptional quality of academic support provided across all institutions.

In a statement, officials praised the collective effort: “The Direction of National Education, Youth and Sports has played a key role in supporting both students and institutions, which has been fundamental to this shared success.”

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Dazzling heritage: Wannenes unveils rare jewels for Monaco Art Week auction

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/07/2025

A platinum brooch set with a rare pink diamond, a royal parure once worn by Mussolini’s daughter, and a 1925 bracelet from a master jeweller who worked with Van Cleef & Arpels – these are just a few of the treasures up for grabs at the upcoming Wannenes jewellery auction in Monaco.

Timed to coincide with the celebrated Monaco Art Week, Wannenes Casa d’Aste will present its next major sale on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th July at the Hôtel Metropole. The auction house, known for blending tradition with innovation, promises a catalogue that reads like a glittering journey through the history of jewellery – from Belle Époque marvels to 20th century masterworks.

Important platinum ring set with a Burmese ruby and diamonds, certified unheated, circa mid-20th century.

A historic exhibition of wearable art

The auction features 444 lots, many of which have been curated for their provenance, rarity, and design versatility. Among the crown jewels of the sale is a brooch-pendant by Italian house Cusi (lot 391), showcasing a Fancy Light Pink diamond, a Fancy Intense Yellow diamond, and a fine Colombian emerald – all arranged in a rhomboid cut and set in platinum. With accompanying GIA and SSEF certificates, it’s estimated at €190,000 to €220,000 and is already generating strong pre-sale interest.

Equally captivating is a platinum ring (lot 264) set with a 5.40-carat unheated Burmese ruby, framed by diamonds. Noted for its exceptional clarity and colour saturation, this piece carries a €70,000 to €80,000 estimate.

Iconic names and timeless design

Collectors with an eye for period design will be drawn to lot 430 – a transformable necklace by Auger Paris from the late 19th century. Adorned with sapphires, enamel, and diamonds, it can be reconfigured into brooches or hairpins using original tools still housed in its antique case. Its estimate: €40,000 to €50,000.

Art Deco lovers will appreciate a platinum bracelet (lot 444) by Louis Maruzzi, the Italian-French craftsman who worked with Van Cleef & Arpels. Studded with emeralds, amethysts, and diamonds, this circa-1925 piece is expected to fetch between €18,000 and €22,000.

Jewellery set in gold, silver, sapphires, rubies and diamonds, circa 1940, said to have belonged to Countess Edda Ciano.

There’s even a glimpse of history in lot 135: a gold and silver parure set with cabochon sapphires, rubies, and diamond roses.

Once owned by Edda Ciano, daughter of Benito Mussolini, the 1940s-era suite – complete with earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring – is estimated at €15,000 to €20,000.

Coveted couture: luxury handbags join the showcase

In addition to rare jewels, the Wannenes auction will feature an enviable collection of luxury handbags, elevating the event’s allure for fashion connoisseurs. Among the highlights is a dazzling Hermès Birkin 35 crafted in black crocodile, a timeless statement of elegance and exclusivity.

A vivid Hermès Kelly 28 in fiery orange ostrich leather, perfectly preserved with its original accessories, adds a vibrant pop of colour and rare materiality to the line-up. Collectors will also find a classic Chanel 2.55 bag in quilted black leather, a perennial icon of Parisian chic, and a limited-edition Louis Vuitton Capucines, featuring an artistic twist on the maison’s traditional design. These fashion treasures not only carry the hallmark of their luxury houses but also the potential to become investment pieces, sure to command spirited bidding in Monaco.

A cultural moment in Monte Carlo

The auction’s preview exhibition will run from Friday 4th to Tuesday 8th July at the Hôtel Metropole. Held during Monaco Art Week, the event offers collectors a rare chance to view and acquire high jewellery in a setting that celebrates the Principality’s international standing in the world of art and design.

To see the full catalogue, click here.

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Main photo: Platinum band bracelet with emeralds, amethysts and old-cut diamonds by Louis Maruzzi, circa 1925. All photos courtesy Wannenes. This article was originally published on 26th June 2025.