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Day: 12 December 2025

Monaco launches regular business roundtables to address economic concerns

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
12/12/2025

Monaco’s new delegate for attractiveness, Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff, has convened the first in a series of regular meetings bringing together the Principality’s business community to tackle three key challenges: relations between businesses and the state, conditions for economic development, and Monaco’s image and perception abroad. 

The first session, held on December 11th at the Monaco Yacht Club, gathered representatives from FEDEM, the Monaco Economic Board, the banking association, and various professional bodies. Minister of State Christophe Mirmand was also present.

Raconnat Le Goff said the meeting stemmed from numerous one-on-one conversations with business leaders that revealed these recurring themes across all sectors.

“I want us to have very concrete discussions based on real examples of what businesses experience today,” she told the press, rather than “pilling up generalised complaints”.

The first theme addresses relations between businesses and the state, including concerns about administrative delays and complicated procedures. The second examines whether certain legal structures or texts “for certain sectors are no longer really adapted” and may need reviewing.

Minister of State Christophe Mirmand at the session, photo credit: ©Stéphane Danna / Direction de la Communication

International perception gap

The third theme proved particularly striking. “When I explain our economic reality abroad, people say ‘we didn’t know that’,” Raconnat Le Goff noted, referring to recent trips in Paraguay and Jeddah.

“Monaco is known for a certain historical image that is dear to us – the glamour, festive events, sporting events,” she said. “But the reality of Monaco, the fact that Monaco is a place where it’s good to live, where it’s good to work, where it’s good to develop professional activity – that’s not necessarily perceived. The reality of our economic fabric ranging from industry to tech via services and finance is not known.”

To address this, the principality plans increased international engagement in 2026, joining networks of state agencies focused on attractiveness and meeting with foreign advisers.

Quality over quantity

However, Raconnat Le Goff dismissed any mass attraction strategy, highlighting quality over quantity. “Monaco is two square kilometres with limited real estate, limited possibilities. So we’re not in this mass policy.”

Instead, the focus is on attracting “high value-added companies” across diverse sectors rather than over-specialising. “I think we shouldn’t forbid ourselves anything in principle. Over-specialisation doesn’t seem appropriate either because it puts us at the mercy of a sector of activity.”

The sessions are likely to be held every four to six weeks.

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Main photo credit: Stéphane Danna, Direction de la Communication

Monte-Carlo Monopoly featuring Casino and Hôtel de Paris becomes instant hit

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/12/2025

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has transformed the world’s most recognisable board game into a luxury collector’s piece.

The Monopoly Monte-Carlo edition, featuring watercolour illustrations of the Casino, Hôtel de Paris and other Resort landmarks, launched mid-December with 1,500 units. Only 80 remained after the first day, according to Monaco Matin.

The black and gold luxury box contains a reimagined version of the classic game, where Monte-Carlo’s most prestigious properties replace traditional streets. Developed in partnership with Winning Moves, the game features watercolour illustrations by Jean-Benoît Héron, who has worked with SBM for 28 years, across all 40 squares.

An illustrated tribute to the Resort

Each property from SBM’s heritage is rendered in Héron’s fine lines and soft colours, transforming the traditional Monopoly board into an illustrated work of art. The Casino occupies the board’s most prestigious position—the equivalent of Boardwalk—followed by Hôtel de Paris, with restaurants, hotels and villas distributed throughout.

Héron has designed the Chance cards and Experience cards (replacing the traditional Community Chest), and created custom banknotes denominated from 5 to 500 keys. Each note features Resort establishments or architectural details.

The playing pieces evoke Monegasque life: a Formula 1 car, yacht, horse, circus marquee and others that reflect the Principality’s character.

Adapted for Monte-Carlo

Whilst maintaining classic Monopoly rules—the winner remains the last player with money—the Monte-Carlo edition required specific modifications. Instead of building houses and hotels on properties, players use silver and gold keys to develop their Resort holdings.

The game is sold exclusively to those 18 and over, reflecting its casino theme and luxury positioning.

International demand and collector status

Presented in a limited-edition luxury box, the game highlights SBM’s history through to its most recent developments. The rapid initial sales, combined with international orders, have established immediate collector’s item status.

Monaco Matin reports that a second delivery is scheduled for January to meet continuing demand. SBM is already considering future board game projects, though none are currently in development.

Where to buy

The game is available at the Monte-Carlo Casino Boutique in the Casino Atrium and Monte-Carlo Drugstore, and can be ordered at retail@sbm.mc.

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Photo source: MCSBM

 

Héli Air Monaco to introduce electric aircraft on Riviera routes

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/12/2025

Vertical Aerospace and Héli Air Monaco announced a memorandum of understanding on December 9th for the pre-order of the British company’s Valo aircraft, marking a potential shift towards electric aviation on the French Riviera. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft was unveiled in London the same day.

Héli Air Monaco plans to operate the Valo across its existing network, connecting Monaco with Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez through what the companies describe as quiet, zero-emission flights. Vertical Aerospace is targeting concurrent regulatory certification with the European Union and UK aviation regulators by 2028.

The partnership positions the Côte d’Azur as a testing ground for electric aviation on some of Europe’s busiest short-haul air routes, particularly around Nice airport. Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and Monaco Heliport are supporting the initiative to develop the necessary infrastructure adaptations.

Aircraft specifications and safety standards

The Valo is designed to initially seat four passengers, with plans to expand to six. The cabin features panoramic windows, generous personal space, and capacity for six cabin bags and six check-in bags. Vertical Aerospace is designing the aircraft to meet Europe’s 10-9 safety standard, which represents the highest level of commercial aviation safety globally.

The aircraft represents an evolution from Vertical’s VX4 prototype, incorporating insights from the company’s piloted test programme and feedback from airline and operator customers.

Industry perspectives

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said the partnership reflects a shared vision for cleaner and quieter travel along the coastline. “This partnership builds on today’s launch of Valo, our new aircraft, and accelerates our momentum toward bringing electric flight to market,” he stated.

Jacques Crovetto, CEO of Héli Air Monaco, described the move as reimagining travel across the Riviera. “By decarbonising our fleet of helicopters and dramatically reducing our noise footprint, we will be delivering a flight experience for our passengers that respects our neighbours, our environment, and shapes a sustainable future,” he said.

Franck Goldnadel, chairman of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur’s management board, noted that electric vertical take-off aircraft extend ongoing efforts to transform and decarbonise air mobility, particularly over short distances. He highlighted the region’s unique opportunity to fly over the sea to connect major destinations, positioning eVTOL as an alternative to conventional helicopters.

Context and timeline

The memorandum of understanding represents a pre-order arrangement that is non-binding and conditional. The planned deployment depends on regulatory certification, infrastructure development, and operational readiness by 2028.

Vertical Aerospace holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders for its eVTOL aircraft globally. The company is also developing a hybrid-electric variant of the Valo to offer increased range and mission flexibility for different market segments.

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Image source: Vertical Aerospace

 

Outward Bound Monaco honors summer program participants

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/12/2025

Students who participated in Outward Bound programs in England and Wales during summer 2024 gathered for the association’s annual awards ceremony on December 2 at the Yacht Club de Monaco. The event brought together participants, their families, and association members to recognise the students’ achievements.

Prince Albert II, patron of Outward Bound Monaco, presented diplomas to the 12 students and acknowledged their resilience in completing the challenging outdoor programs. The Prince was thanked for his continued support of the association.

Program focus and student achievements

Michael Peagram, an ambassador for Outward Bound Monaco, outlined the organisation’s mission during his opening remarks. He explained that Outward Bound aims to help young people recognise capabilities beyond their perceived limits through physical experiences in wilderness settings, taking participants outside their comfort zones.

The participants, ranging from 10 to 17-years-old, spent time away from phones and social media during their summer programs, engaging in activities designed to test personal limits while building new friendships.

2026 program enrollment

Outward Bound Monaco has opened registration for 2026 courses. The association offers an early registration discount for bookings made before January 31, 2026, and provides financial assistance in certain cases. Information is available at www.outwardboundmonaco.info or by contacting Vanessa@outwardboundmonaco.com.

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Photo credit: Arbee Pachao, ACP Images 

 

Nathalie Stutzmann becomes first woman to lead Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/12/2025

The Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo announced the appointment of Nathalie Stutzmann as Artistic and Music Director on 10th December, with Princess Caroline of Monaco presiding over the announcement. Stutzmann will begin her four-year term on 1st September 2026, becoming the 19th director in the orchestra’s history and the first woman to hold the position since its founding in 1856.

The appointment represents the culmination of a decade-long relationship between Stutzmann and the OPMC. She first conducted the orchestra in 2014 with Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore, returned in 2017 for Wagner’s Tannhäuser, and has led symphonic concerts in recent seasons. The Principality recognised her contributions in 2014 when she was named Officer in the Order of Cultural Merit.

“I am deeply honoured to join the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo as its next Music and Artistic Director,” Stutzmann said at the announcement. “My collaboration with the orchestra started ten years ago, and we have been developing a beautiful complicity and joy to make music together during those years.”

International career and dual appointments

Stutzmann currently serves as Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where she has held the position since the 2022-2023 season. She became only the second woman to lead a major American orchestra when she took that role, and recently extended her contract through 2029. She previously served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 2021 to 2024, the first woman to hold that position.

Her 2023 appearance at the Bayreuth Festival marked another significant milestone. She became only the second woman to conduct at the festival in its 150-year history, leading performances of Tannhäuser that earned her the title of Conductor of the Year at the 2024 Oper! Awards.

From singer to conductor

Stutzmann began her musical career as a contralto, building an international reputation before transitioning to conducting in the early 2000s. She studied under Finnish pedagogue Jorma Panula, as well as with Seiji Ozawa and Simon Rattle, and has more than 80 recordings to her credit as a singer.

France has honoured her with Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, the country’s highest cultural distinctions.

Succession and vision

Stutzmann will succeed Kazuki Yamada, whose ten-year tenure as Artistic and Musical Director concludes in August 2026. Yamada moves to the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director. Princess Caroline acknowledged his significant contribution to the orchestra during the announcement ceremony.

At the press conference, Stutzmann outlined plans to expand the OPMC’s international presence through recording and touring activities whilst strengthening connections with Monaco audiences. She described the orchestra as her “European family” to complement her work with the Atlanta Symphony.

Addressing the historic nature of her appointment, Stutzmann emphasised that competence should take precedence over gender considerations. “I sincerely hope I was not chosen because I am a woman,” she told journalists. “I believe I was chosen because I have a wonderful relationship with this orchestra and because we can achieve great things together.”

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Photo credit: Philippe Fitte, Department of Cultural Affairs