Brimming with iconic venues and unforgettable experiences, Monaco is renowned as a world class event and incentive destination Like Nowhere Else.

The Principality is constantly innovating, so there is always something different to discover, from inspiring new spaces and unique gems to CSR and sustainability commitments designed to meet growing demand from corporate clients.

While there are plenty of reasons to choose or rediscover Monaco, we share just six reasons why it should be top of your list.

1. Fairmont Monte Carlo’s grand renovation

Located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco in between the Mediterranean Sea and the Casino of Monte-Carlo, the iconic Fairmont Monte Carlo has long been an appealing option for event planners thanks to having one of the best views on the Formula One circuit, the Fairmont Hairpin and the Mediterranean beyond.

Now there is even more reason for event planners to host events at the luxury property – a brand new events space. Located in the former Sun Casino, which has undergone a complete transformation, Le Grand Salon is now Monaco’s largest events salon capable of hosting up to 1,500 people.

With more than 1450m², this new space can be adapted for any event – gala dinner, cocktail reception, product or car launch, fashion show, meeting and exhibition. Located on the lobby level, with its own private entrance, this prestigious space is adjacent to the 2000m² Salle d’Or and Galerie Cristal with a breathtaking sea view, providing a unified venue for a large-scale event.

And that’s not all. The hotel has also started a complete re-imagination process of its 596 rooms and suites, which are set to be ready by May 2024. Inspired by the French Riviera, the rooms feature light beige and blue tones, a chic decoration, elegant furniture and a private terrace with an unrivalled view on the sea, the garden or the famous Hairpin bend.

Fairmont Le Grand Salon – Credit @Fairmont Monte Carlo

2. The Grimaldi Forum Monaco’s super-sized extension

An emblematic player in the event world, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco will benefit from the ambitious urban development underway by the Monegasque State – a six-hectare extension of the Principality’s territory, beginning in 2025.

The Mareterra project includes the construction of an eco-neighbourhood that will offer housing, a buzzing port with pedestrian platforms, a landscaped park, a shady coastal promenade along the Japanese Garden, as well as an extension of the Grimaldi Forum Monaco.

As a result, the convention centre will be able to increase its exhibition capacity by 50% with an additional 6,000 m². This new space will make it possible to host larger events, have more events going on simultaneously, and make Grimaldi Forum Monaco more flexible for increasingly original event formats.

As part of the expansion, 2 000 m² of exterior space will also be made available, including the Ravel Terrace and its 600 m² with sea views, enabling organisers to take advantage of Monaco’s 300 days of sunshine.

Grimaldi forum extension – Credit @Grimaldi Forum Monaco

3. Café de Paris Monte-Carlo’s amazing makeover

One of Monaco’s most popular venues, the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is the legendary eatery on the Place du Casino, and it’s currently undergoing a major makeover led by two illustrious architects, Monaco’s Alexandre Giraldi and France’s Alain-Charles Perrot.

Whilst conserving its Belle Epoque style, Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, which is scheduled to reopen in the autumn, is expanding with the creation of two additional floors, one housing La Brasserie (280m²), a new high-end restaurant with a glass skylight and a stunning rooftop space of almost 1,000m², where the future Amazonico restaurant will take up residence. This Brazilian concept is well-known internationally, with outlets in Madrid, Dubai, and London.

Amazonico will open by April 2024, offering customers and groups an extraordinary culinary and musical experience inspired by the Amazon rainforest. It’s guaranteed to be one of the hottest tickets in town when it opens, and the place to be seen.

Café de Paris-Amazonico – Credit to Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

4. Muse Monte-Carlo’s exciting debut

 This summer saw the debut of an exciting new events space in the Principality – Muse Monte-Carlo. This brand-new beach-club restaurant at Le Meridien Beach Plaza offers a unique setting on the only private beach in a resort in Monaco.

Inspired by the French Riviera summer, it’s nestled between pine trees and crystal-clear waters, in an unspoilt environment at the heart of the Larvotto marine reserve, where protected fish can be observed.

From June-October, it is open as a restaurant for individual guests, but for the rest of the year, it can be privatised for a range of events, from lunches and dinners for up to 150 people seated to celebrations for up 300 for a cocktail reception.

Executive Chef Laurent Colin designed the menu, which offers sun-drenched Mediterranean flavours to be savoured overlooking the blue sea, enhanced by the Mediterranean-inspired décor. The culinary experience can be complemented by a day of absolute relaxation on a sunbed, a relaxing massage or sensational nautical excursions at sea, creating unforgettable experiences for your group.

Muse Monte-Carlo – credit to Le Meridien Beach Plaza

5. Yacht Club de Monaco

The Yacht Club de Monaco plays a dynamic leading role in the life of Monaco’s main harbour. Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier, this iconic institution has over 2500 members from 80 different nationalities and is a unique place in the world of international yachting.

Designed by Lord Forster, the hi-tech building looks like a liner docked on Quai Louis II and serves as a stunning backdrop for exclusive and innovative events. With 5000m2 of indoor space, and an additional 4000m2 outdoor space, the venue can host an array of memorable events and experiences (though of course as a members’ only club, members have priority over other guests).

For organisers looking for a sustainable venue, Yacht Club de Monaco sets high standards in sustainable design that complies with HQE standards. A passive design, the structure balances shade and natural light and the glass facades can be opened for natural ventilation.

Photovoltaic cells, solar thermal panels and sea water cooling systems take advantage of the sun and waterfront site, while LED low energy lighting, state of the art systems to manage energy use, waste and water, and points to recharge electric-powered cars have been integrated into the design.

Yacht Club de Monaco – Credit to @BVergely

6. A team strongly committed to CSR

Sticking with the subject of sustainability, Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority has established itself as somewhat of a leader in this field and is well-equipped to help organisers to plan responsibly and mitigate the environmental impact of their events.

Further to launching the Responsible tourism white paper and signing the Glasgow Declaration on climate action, The Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority is committed to several environmentally sustainable initiatives, relying on its newly created CSR department and the essential support from the Government’s Energy transition department.

Some actions include recycling banners and tarpaulins by turning them into tote bags and pouches, joining the Digital and Devices clean-up day, and creating a new carbon calculator for event organisers to estimate their carbon footprint in the Principality. It is also planning to create a new guide that will offer solutions to event organisers to create more responsible events in Monaco.

From 2024, The Monaco Convention Bureau and its foreign offices will be commissioned to calculate the footprint of its fam trips and local events and ensure CSR actions are applied at all times.

Monaco View – Credit to @BVergely