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A SENIOR delegation from the Principality of Monaco yesterday hosted events in Sydney as part of a roadshow following the launch of a new Grace Kelly art exhibition in Bendigo. Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene opened the Bendigo show in her first major public appearance earlier in the week – a major coup for regional Victoria with the exhibition running through until 17 Jun. Yesterday’s Sydney event included a presentation from Guillaume Rose, head of the Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority, who said there had been strong growth in Australian visitor nights in Monaco over the last 12 months. In fact, the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco accommodated 6500 Aussies last year, a growth of 25%, and the property is expecting further increases in the coming years after signing new contracts with a number of local operators including APT and French Travel Connection. French Travel Connection is also a key partner for Monaco, with an exclusive offer which gives Aussie travellers free helicopter transfers from Nice if they book three nights’ 3, 4 or 5 star accom. The Monaco delegation also stressed the affordability of the destination, which is surprisingly 30-40% cheaper than London or Paris, despite its upmarket presentation. Another key development, set to be formally announced next week, is the addition of Monaco as a new ‘Preferred Destination’ for the Virtuoso travel group. Pictured above from left are Guillaume Rose, Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority; Alison Roberts-Brown and Liz Rodgers, Monaco Tourism Australia; Koji Ito, The Fairmont Monte Carlo; and Benoit Badufle, Singapore-based head of the regional office of Monaco’s major hotelier SBM. And inset, TD spotted Guillaume Rose showing his affection for Princess Grace. |
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