Rajeev Nangia, India Director, Monaco Goverment Tourist and Convention Auhority speaks with T3 about the potential the Indian market holds for Monaco
India is an important market for Monaco. It is fast evolving and is increasingly becoming a niche strategic market. Monaco is experiencing good growth in terms of number of tourists increasing every year. In 2011, Monaco recorded 5,000 Indian overnight stays and expects a 25 per cent increase this year. Although it is the world’s second smallest country but receives over four million visitors every year from across the world. Monaco intends to target the rapidly growing Indian upper middle class who look for high quality destinations. Hence the primary target markets include HNIs, upper middle class, MICE and families. It is Leisure, Upscale and Luxury destination. The objective of Monaco is to showcase it as one of Europe’s finest holidaying destinations.
Monte Carlo is one of the most distinguished and trendy destinations in Monaco. It is known for its scenic beauty, classy lifestyle, spectacular architecture and posh casinos. It is a complete package of fun and entertainment. Monaco offers sports for the adventurous, museums and churches for the tourists who like to explore the other side of the city. The oceanographic museum and aquarium, the Jardin Exotique, Avenue Saint-Martin, the Palais Princier, and the Japanese Garden are the hot spots to visit in Monaco.
Monaco each summer hosts the Monaco Grand Prix, the most demanding and the most glamorous of all the Formula 1 races. The tourists can also enjoy the leisure of shopping from wide variety of designer collections in Monte Carlo. Besides shopping nightlife in an integral part of Monaco. Casino de Monte Carlo is one of the most famous casinos in the world. The nightlife extends with the fascinating operas in Monte Carlo which give the nightlife scene one of its best high- brow options.
Beaches, helicopter rides and luxurious cruises. Monaco has it all. With adventures and leisure offerings suited for every individual taste, it is the quintessential luxury destination.
The Indian market is one of the most promising and growing in the world. For 2013, we have many promotional activities to position Monaco as an exclusive and premium destination for holidaying and MICE. One such initiative is Monte-Carlo Passeport. The Principality of Monaco offers you its passport with privilege coupons so that you can enjoy many benefits and special offers. The special coupons can be widely used for free entry to various attraction and museums in Monaco. It is an exclusive offer available for selected tour operators only.
We plan to initiate new promotional activities for both B2B and B2C market in India along with some exclusive media engagements for the upcoming year apart from consumer promotions. We also plan to position Monaco as unique MICE getaway as there are a multitude of options to choose from when it comes to the MICE market.
Monaco has a dedicated body who handles the entire MICE related activities known as The Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority. It is a one stop shop for all MICE related queries and helps to design, operate and execute promotion and marketing. This body also gives specialised customized itinerary as and when required by the client.
