Monaco held strong this past summer when it comes to tourism in the Principality.
A plethora of non-European visitors, including an uptick in the number of global tourists, is partially to thank for a prosperous summer season in Monaco.
An initial review was held on how well Monaco’s various attractions and venues had done over this past summer and it indicated record visitor numbers, such as the record-breaking Monet en Pleine Lumière exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum as the Monaco Tourism and Convention Department has released its official report on the 2023 summer tourist season.
Monaco has always garnered an international appeal. And although occupancy rates in hotels are still down slightly on the prodigious pre-pandemic year of 2019 (likely due to costs), they did hit an impressive 75% in July and 72% in August. This is primarily due to a high influx of tourists from North America, Italy being close by, along with France at its border, and the UK, who round out the Top Four nations who most visited the Principality.
“Monaco attracts a very good clientele,” says Monaco Tourism and Convention Department Director Guy Antognelli. “What we are seeing overall compared to 2019 is a growth in non-European customers, including a strong increase in the Middle East.”
Asian visitors have lowered in number, according to the data, but global tourists made up for those numbers.
“Japan has picked up this year, China is at just under 40% of the outbound tourism it had in 2019… It’s still a little complicated,” explains Antognelli. “Australians are present in [good] numbers in Monaco, an increase compared to 2019. These are markets with a promising future for the Principality. We will see them much more present in 2024.”
The Tourism Department is now looking ahead to the autumn, with several high-profile conventions and events on the horizon, amongst them the recent Monaco Yacht Show, followed by Assises de la Sécurité, Luxe Pack, and Sportel.
“These are all major events, which are sold out and some of which will attract more participants than in previous editions,” assures Antognelli. “Requests for 2024, 2025, and 2026 are already coming in. This proves that the Principality also remains attractive for business conferences and seminars.”
Last week, four men suspected of a series of ambushes targeting
gay men in Nice in July 2022 were sentenced on September 28, 2023, to
up to four years in prison for two of the assailants, and 18 and 15
months for their accomplices.
These prison
sentences were heavier than those requested by the public prosecutor,
but the criminal court retained only the aggravating circumstance of a
meeting, not homophobia.
The accused, aged between 17 and 27 at the time of the attacks,
organized their stalking via the gay dating app Grindr. The victims were
assaulted in their homes, robbed, and one was even stabbed with a
knife. This modus operandi enabled investigators to link the attacks and
identify the suspects.
But, as the Centre LGBTQIA+ Côte d'Azur, a
civil party in the case, reminds us, more than 80% of victims of
LGBT+phobic acts never lodge a complaint, according to figures from the
French Ministry of the Interior. This is hardly surprising, however, "if
the courts are unable to find the aggravating factor of homophobia in
such cases?!" worries the association.
Personally, as someone who before making the move to the Cote
d’Azur, had frequently visited the region since 1990, my friends and I
do find the region to be extremely safe, especially when compared to
cities in our homelands of North America and other countries in Europe
and the UK.
I have been out and about at all times
of the day or night, any time of year, either on my own or with friends,
and have not, fortunately, run into any problems. That’s not to say
there aren’t any homophobic a**holes out there, but like anywhere else
in the world, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings and actions for
your own safety.
What I do see frequently are
visitors who arrive (of all sexualities) to the region, who seem to go
into a vacation bubble of sorts once off the plane, assuming because
they are on holiday, nothing bad will happen to them.
At times it is as
though you can see the glazed look on their faces, and this extends to
how they act on social media dating apps. I’m the kind of person who is
always up for some kind of adventure, but I tend to think a touch more
rationally about it all first.
If someone seems too good to be true, my advice is to go
with your gut instinct and ask yourself if it is worth it. And consider
meeting in a public place first and take it from there.
The
French Riviera is an international travel destination that attracts
people from around the world. It is a very safe place to live and visit,
but like anywhere else is not without its issues so operate as you
would where you live and take care of yourself first.
On Saturday, September 30th, 2023, the LGBTQIA+ community in Marseille celebrates its 30th anniversary of Pride.
This is the opportunity for locals and visitors alike to join together
to show support for one another in equal rights, and social justice, and
to support victims of discrimination and LGBTIphobia in France.
Fierté Marseille is the organization that takes care of not only all the work involved in planning for Pride every year, but they are also in charge of the future LGBTQIA+ Center being established in Marseille.
This year, the Pride parade will start its route at the Porte d'Aix at
14h where everyone will then make their way through the streets of
Marseille celebrating moments of Pride while also peacefully protesting
towards Vieux-Port with the final point of gathering to be on the Quai
du Port at approximately 17h.
For the month of September, we are focusing on the enchanting and historic areas of both Antibes and Cap d’Antibes.
This part of the Cote d’Azur has always been popular not only with locals but also consistently attracts visitors and people year-round from various parts of the world seeking a place to purchase a primary or holiday home.
Besides the natural beauty of this area, with most everything in close proximity to not only the sea but local amenities including fabulous restaurants, hotels, and museums, this is also a historical place where famous writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald made his home and where some say the laidback lifestyle pertaining to summer was introduced.
Property designs here range from contemporary to Belle Epoque, in every size and price bracket, with more classic designs to be found around the tip of the Cap d’Antibes peninsula just south of Antibes.
Antibes
2,650,000 EUR
A 5-bedroom contemporary villa on the market in Antibes.
Area: 343m²
10 room(s)
5 bedroom(s)
Land: 1543m²
Come and discover this superb and spacious villa that is 343m² in size, located in a peaceful and highly sought-after area of Antibes.
Just a short walk from the beaches and the local shops and bakeries.
Spread over 3 levels, the villa includes 5 bedrooms, each with a shower room or bathroom.
The master bedroom has a bathtub, an Italian shower, and an integrated hammam.
The spacious double living room is located on the main floor and gives access to a terrace overlooking a beautiful garden of more than 1500m ² that is south-west facing complete with a heated salt pool.
You can enjoy the terrace in summer and winter thanks to its outdoor heating system. The property also has a large covered parking area for up to 10 vehicles.
Antibes
5,400,000 EUR
Located in a quiet, privileged area of Antibes, this magnificent Art Deco property is nestled in the heart of a lush garden of over 1800m2, complete with a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Recently renovated with top-of-the-range materials, this villa offers a harmonious and refined design.
The villa of 466 m2 comprises seven bright bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms, three of which have spacious walk-in closets.
The spacious living room, dining room, and fully-equipped kitchen. What's more, the beautiful terraces offer views of the sea and the surrounding greenery.
In the basement, you'll find a wellness area featuring a sauna, steam room, gym, and games room, allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself in complete tranquillity.
Plus a wine cellar, laundry room, and garage of around 100m² complete this exceptional property.
Cap d’Antibes
10,500,000 EUR
Just a few minutes from the famous Garoupe beach, discover this beautiful waterfront villa with luxurious amenities.
In an exceptional living environment, this single-story villa opens onto a spacious terrace of around 309 m², with an infinity pool and direct access to the sea, inviting you to enjoy special moments to the fullest extent.
Inside, you'll find a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and three elegant bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom and terrace access.
There is also a superb spa with a hammam followed by two showers. Plus, two parking spaces.
Cap d’Antibes
11,500,000 EUR
Elegant property on the seafront which will offer you a most beautiful sunset.
Built on a plot of approximately 2410m², the villa with an area of 395m² offers: an entrance hall, a double reception room opening onto a spacious terrace, the garden and the sea, a welcoming dining room, and a kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 3 dressing rooms, a bathroom, 4 shower rooms, an office, and a summer kitchen.
The villa has air conditioning, double glazing, an intercom system, and an electric gate. Enjoy many days at the swimming pool, entertaining with friends and family. This property is also sold with a garage and several parking spaces.
