The Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority has set the scene for a bright future of tourism with the launch of its “White Paper”, designed to lay the foundations for a strong, sustainable tourism strategy.

The aim of this document, based on surveys, benchmarks, and dialogue with stakeholders, is to provide a better understanding of current tourism in Monaco and to prioritise sustainability by drawing inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Principality's Energy Transition targets.

In Monaco, environmental protection has been treated as an issue of central importance for many years. The Principality has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 from their 1990 levels, and achieving full carbon neutrality by 2050. In Monaco itself, actions are focused on biodiversity, resource management, and greenhouse gas reductions.

The idea of preparing and publishing this White Paper emerged before SARS COV 2 had even been heard of and comes at a time when the tourism sector is becoming acutely aware of its responsibilities.

“Today, there is unanimous recognition that the top priority is to kick-start tourism, and help all of the stakeholders severely affected by the crisis to stand on their own economic feet once more. We nonetheless have a responsibility to ensure that the recovery is also an opportunity to rebuild differently” said Guy Antognelli, General Manager of Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority.

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognises the Principality's strong commitment to sustainability: “On behalf of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), I commend the authorities of the Principality of Monaco for releasing this document during these particularly challenging times, when the focus could easily have shifted solely to the economic aspects of the recovery of the sector and its value chain.”

Sustainable tourism in Monaco has evolved in a conducive climate, with all stakeholders on board with a clear national roadmap towards responsible tourism. Some facts and stats highlighting the Principality's sustainability commitment include:

• Certified Hotels: 88% of hotel rooms in the Principality have international environmental or sustainable certification.
• Responsible Gastronomy: Multiple initiatives including the first-ever Michelin starred organic-certified gastronomic restaurant (Elsa at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel).
• A committed MICE sector: 35,495 m2 of exhibition and conference space has environmental certification (not including hotels).
• 1% was Monaco's score in the Global Destination Sustainability Index in 2020, an improvement of 13.24% on 2018.
• Public and private gardens make up 21% of the total surface area of Monaco and the Principality is home to some 880 plant species. Monaco also has 1,600m² of urban vegetable gardens, which produce crops grown organically, using biodiversity-friendly permaculture methods.

Considerable efforts are being made to alter the impact of major events (such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix), or to ensure Monaco remains a destination where visitors can relax and recharge their batteries, despite the numerous construction works and dense road traffic. This is important, as the aim for tourism stakeholders and for Monaco is to act locally in their areas of influence, without any hint of greenwashing.

Download the White paper: LINK

Watch the White paper teaser: LINK

***End***