The latest report from Monaco’s tourism and congress industry shows that there was some strong recovery in 2021, but figures are still far behind 2019 levels. Meanwhile, focus is now shifting to rebuilding the Principality’s business tourism sector.
The Tourism and Congress Department presented the 2021 results and 2022 strategy in front of an audience of professionals and tourism operators in Monaco this week. Symbolically, the meeting took place at the Oceanographic Museum, the most visited site in Monaco but also a leading example of responsible tourism.
According to Guy Antognelli, Director of Tourism and Conventions (DTC), figures show that tourism in 2021 was better than 2020 thanks to the increased presence of visitors from France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, as well as from the Middle-East.
Despite the low number of British, Russian and American customers, who were prevented from traveling due to health constraints, the Principality’s hotels recorded an occupancy rate of 39% compared to 27% in 2020, still far from the 64% of 2019.
Meanwhile, the average price per room rose to €402, an increase of 25% compared to 2020.
For the year 2022, DTC Deputy Director Sandrine Camia presented a support strategy for those in Monaco’s tourism industry who have managed to “redouble their efforts and adapt to the periods of crisis”. Camia explained that the strategy is based on a new marketing ecosystem, the Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), which “structures the tourist offer in the Principality, reinforces the notoriety of the destination, and develops the consideration of visitors”.
Despite a significant reduction in global air travel, 17 weekly direct flights are now available between Nice and New York, so the DTC is undertaking another major promotional operation with the United States to “seduce and bet on the American clientele”.
The DTC showcased the promotional campaign for the US under the ‘For You’ banner, #REEVENT, this time targeting the business tourism sector whose level of activity, despite the return of events in the Principality, significantly lags behind previous years.
A new platform was presented as part of the Visit Monaco website. ‘Monaco Travel Trade’ is dedicated to commercial partners and presents the latest initiatives in Monaco, resources, events and personalised tools to promote the Principality: https://traveltrade.visitmonaco.com/.
Special mention was also given to Monaco’s responsible tourism initiatives, an area in which the Principality aims to excel.
Photo by Michael Alesi, Government Communication Department