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Month: March 2026

Stan Wawrinka and Matteo Berrettini receive first wild cards for Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/03/2026

Stan Wawrinka and Matteo Berrettini have been awarded the first two wild cards for the singles main draw of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, tournament organisers announced on Thursday 19th March, ahead of the 119th edition taking place from 4th to 12th April at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.

For Wawrinka, the appearance carries particular significance. The Swiss player, who turns 41 at the end of March, is playing his final season on tour having announced he will retire at the end of 2026. His return to Monte-Carlo forms part of a farewell tour that will resonate with the Monaco crowd, who watched him win the title here in 2014 with a memorable final victory over compatriot Roger Federer, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2.

A three-time Grand Slam champion, former world number three, Davis Cup winner and Olympic gold medallist in doubles, Wawrinka remains one of the most decorated players of his generation.

Berrettini eyes a return to form

Matteo Berrettini, the former Wimbledon finalist and one-time top ten player, is working his way back to his best level after a run of injury-disrupted seasons. His best result in Monte-Carlo is a round of 16 appearance, though his performance at last year’s edition stood out — defeating then world number two Alexander Zverev in the second round. Back on tour since February, the Italian will be able to count on strong support from his compatriots, who are well represented among the Monaco crowd each April.

Tournament Director David Massey said the two selections were designed to give spectators players capable of producing significant moments from the opening rounds. “Stan is an integral part of the tournament’s history, and his presence during his final season will undoubtedly be emotional. Matteo, meanwhile, represents a dynamic and exciting generation,” he said.

Two further wild cards for the singles main draw will be announced in the coming days, alongside four wild cards for the qualifying draw and three for the doubles.

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Photo of Wawrinka, credit: C. Caillaud

 

Monaco tourism posts strong 2025 results as new global campaign prepares to launch

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/03/2026

Monaco’s tourism sector closed 2025 with growth across its key hotel indicators, despite what organisers described as a particularly uncertain international context, according to figures presented at the annual tourism review held on Tuesday 17th March at the Monte-Carlo Bay Resort & Spa.

The event, organised by the Direction du Tourisme et des Congrès, brought together representatives from across Monaco’s tourism and business community, alongside members of the National Council, the Mairie de Monaco and the Conseil Économique Social et Environnemental. Pierre-AndrĂ© Chiappori, Minister-Counsellor for Finance and the Economy, was also present.

Strong hotel performance

Occupancy rates rose 3% in 2025, the average room rate increased 6% and revenue per available room grew 11%. Business tourism also expanded its share of overall activity, up 3% on the previous year.

A new campaign on the horizon

The occasion was also used to unveil the slogan for Monaco’s upcoming global communications campaign: “Monaco, Everything At Once” — or in French, “Monaco, LĂ  oĂą tout se vit.” The campaign is set to launch in April across all of Monaco’s target markets, deployed through the DTC’s seven promotional offices around the world.

Guy Antognelli, Director of Tourism and Congresses, said the strategy was evolving to meet changing expectations. “Monaco is adapting its tourism strategy to respond to the new expectations of leisure and business clientele. Our ambition is to strengthen the visibility and desirability of the destination, by highlighting its fundamental strengths — security, stability and excellence — while integrating new digital practices and affirming our commitment to responsible tourism.”

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Photo source: Government Communications Department

 

Top Marques Monaco 2026 adds dedicated luxury tuners hall to its Grimaldi Forum showcase

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/03/2026

Top Marques Monaco returns to the Grimaldi Forum from 6th to 10th May, and this year’s edition will introduce a new dedicated space for high-end automotive customisation — the Luxury Tuners Hall — alongside the show’s established supercar and classic car offering.

The 1,500-square-metre pavilion will bring together Mansory, ABT Sportsline, Techart, Urban Automotive, Cavalier and Venuum, with each brand presenting its own approach to bespoke automotive design. Mansory will show its sculptural body modifications, ABT Sportsline its performance upgrades drawn from racing, and Techart its Porsche-specific finishes. Urban Automotive will focus on luxury SUV transformations, while Cavalier will present its Prime Edition — a contemporary private cabin based on a Mercedes-Benz V-Class. Venuum, described as an up-and-coming name known for bold and futuristic design, and XPEL, a specialist in supercar paint protection, complete the line-up.

At least four world premiere vehicles will be unveiled exclusively during the event, though the specific models are being kept under wraps ahead of the show.

Event director Emeric Garcia said the new hall reflected where the bespoke automotive market has moved. “The Luxury Tuners Hall marks a natural evolution for Top Marques Monaco. It showcases the creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship that today define the richness of bespoke automotive design.”

Beyond the tuners hall

The Supercar Hall will also feature world premieres, while the Classic Car Hall will present more than 75 classic cars for sale. The show’s broader offer spans supercars, classic cars, superboats, motorcycles, watches and jewellery.

Event schedule

The show opens on the evening of 6th May with an exclusive VIP Avant-Première cocktail event sponsored by Zondacrypto. Business Days on 7th and 8th May offer collectors and buyers direct access to manufacturers in a more private setting, before the show opens to the public on 9th and 10th May. French auto influencer GMK will appear during the public days, showcasing recent supercar acquisitions.

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Photo by Monaco Life 

 

Monaco fire brigade welcomes French civil protection commander

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
19/03/2026

The Monaco Fire Brigade received a high-ranking French military official on Tuesday, as General Pierre de Villeneuve, commander of the French Civil Security Military Brigade (BMSC), paid an official visit to the Principality.

The BMSC is a specialist organisation of around 1,700 rescue personnel drawn from four army engineering regiments based across France. Operating under the authority of the Interior Ministry, the brigade can mobilise 300 soldiers within a matter of hours, deploying them to respond to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and wildfires, as well as chemical, radiological and biological incidents.

General de Villeneuve’s visit began at the La Condamine fire station, where he reviewed the fire guard before receiving a full briefing from Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrard, the brigade’s commanding officer. He then watched the ceremonial changing of the Prince’s Carabiniers Guard at the Palace Square.

An official lunch followed, attended by Lionel Beffre, Monaco’s Minister of the Interior, senior officers, and the General himself, who signed the unit’s guest book.

The afternoon was spent at the Fontvieille fire station, where he was shown Monaco’s emergency operations centre and a range of new equipment and projects.

How the relationship was formed

The two units point to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster as a defining moment in their relationship, when they worked side by side in one of the most challenging rescue operations in recent memory.

Cooperation between the two services if formalised under a Franco-Monegasque agreement, which allows Monaco firefighters to be embedded within French rescue teams during major disasters abroad.

In a practical sign of that partnership, nine BMSC soldiers will join the Monaco Fire Brigade to help provide security during the 2026 Grand Prix

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Main photo credit: StĂ©phane Danna, Communication’s Department 

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene present first aid diplomas at Monaco Red Cross Ceremony

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
19/03/2026

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attended the annual Monaco Red Cross First Aid diploma ceremony on March 17th at the Rainier III Auditorium, where 1,451 people received recognition for completing first aid training. 

The Princely Couple personally presented special prizes to the highest-achieving students, including the top three pupils from Collège Charles III, Collège François d’Assise–Nicolas BarrĂ© and the International School of Monaco.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène presenting special prizes.

Awards also went to graduates from the Police Academy, the Civil Service, Monaco Town Hall, and representatives from the private and voluntary sectors, as well as members of the general public.

The vast majority are now certified to hold the PSC qualification (the first level of first aid training) equipping them to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.

Group photo with the recipients

Monaco’s Red Cross said it will now press ahead with its training, assistance and public awareness missions throughout 2026, with particular focus on young people.

The organisation aims to ensure that life-saving skills are taught from an early age and become second nature to the next generation.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène with the Monaco Red Cross Community

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All photos credit: Sarah Steck, Prince’s Palace and Philippe Fitte, Monaco Red Cross

#WhatFloatsYourBoat: World Boating Day launches global social media campaign

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/03/2026

World Boating Day has launched a new social media campaign for 2026, inviting the international boating community to share the moments, people and passions that define their connection to life on the water.

The campaign, running under the hashtag #WhatFloatsYourBoat, is open to shipyards, designers, manufacturers, marinas, crew and enthusiasts worldwide. Participants are encouraged to post a photo or short video on social media explaining what inspires them about the industry, tagging World Boating Day and using the hashtag.

Dilan Saraç, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation, said the campaign was designed to show a side of the industry that rarely reaches a wider audience. “Whether it’s innovation in a shipyard, enjoying a quiet moment on the water, or a much-loved work colleague, everyone has something that floats their boat. By sharing these stories, we hope to show the world the fun, creative and human side of boating.”

The initiative builds on last year’s #WaveForBoating campaign and will run throughout 2026 in the lead-up to World Boating Day, the annual global celebration of the boating sector, which this year falls on 23rd May. Events will take place throughout the week of 18th to 24th May.

World Boating Day is a non-profit campaign launched in 2024 comprising open days at boating companies and venues around the world, with a particular focus on attracting new talent to the industry.

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Photo credit: Luke Bendar, Unsplash