January 2022…// The Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority officially presented The White Paper on Responsible Tourism in Monaco on Monday 29th November, in the presence of Jean Castellini, Minister of Finance and Economy; Caroline Rougaignon, President of the Economic Social and Environmental Council; Annabelle Jaeger-Seydoux, Director of the Mission for Energy Transition; Patrick Rolland, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment; and partners and stakeholders from the tourism sector.

The project began in 2020 and has enabled the tourism sector, which has been hard hit by the health crisis, to become more conscious of its responsibilities and the need to challenge some models. The document draws on analyses of surveys, comparative studies and discussion workshops; and aims to offer a better understanding of tourism in Monaco. The document identifies Monaco's strengths and weaknesses to help prepare for the tourism of tomorrow and make it even more sustainable, using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the Principality's energy transition targets as a basis. This collegial piece of work was carried out by the Tourist and Convention Authority and François Tourisme Consultants, together with all of the destination's partners, assistance from the Mission for Energy Transition and the support of the Department of the Environment.

With a preface by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, the White Paper serves as a foundation that can be used to highlight areas for improvement and actions to take. These will be further developed in the near future in line with the responsible tourism strategy, which will continue to align with the UN SDGs and the Principality's energy transition targets.

Destination Monaco and its partners are already putting in place solutions to ensure optimal management of resources, using eco-friendly transportation, renewable energy resources, and the use of sustainable infrastructure. These are taking shape through the strong choice of a binding environmental certification that has been adopted by a majority of hotels, and genuine commitments to promote soft mobility, recycling and a reduction in food waste.

Alongside these initiatives, Monaco Scientific Centre and CHANEL  have signed a partnership agreement to create a Precious Coral Biology Research Unit. The goal is to develop fundamental research programmes to improve our understanding of red coral life processes in order to protect the species. Mediterranean red coral is a material that is consistently used to make jewelry; its red hue and slow growth make it incredibly valuable and, for this reason, it has often been exploited. As a national treasure of the Mediterranean, this partnership will endeavor to protect red coral. 

Additionally, progress is also being made in the restaurant sector. Five high-end restaurants from Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) Group have signed up to the Government's Responsible Restaurant scheme, including The Blue Bay at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Elsa and Le Deck at Monte-Carlo Beach. These restaurants are already committed to seasonal menus and eco-friendly practices, but now each of them will receive individual support to further enhance their commitment by implementing new eco-friendly practices each year.

-ENDS- 

For further press information please contact Grifco PR: monaco@grifcopr.com

About the Monaco Government & Tourist Authority
The Monaco Government and Tourist Authority is a state organisation set up to promote and support the Principality and all of its touristic entities and stakeholders. As a government service, it offers free-of-charge global advice on the destination, highlighting the assets which make Monaco ideal for both business and leisure travel.

The Authority, alongside its representative office in London, also offers a range of services for organisers of conferences, seminars, incentive travel, exhibitions, festivals and international trade fairs. 

Website: www.visitmonaco.com
LinkedIn: Monaco Government Tourist Authority
Facebook: @VisitMonaco