Monte Carlo: Having long championed itself as a favourite destination for European, American and Russian elite, Monte Carlo, gently nestled between the Italian and French Riviera, is looking to attract tourism from the Gulf by offering catered services that would be more friendly to Muslim and Arab values.
The typography of the self-autonomous city-state is not much different than other exotic Mediterranean cities which many Gulf citizens love to frequent during the bristling hot summer days such as Lebanon or Egypt. Monte Carlo, which boasts a population of only 38,000 people, most of whom are not ethnic Monegasque people (estimated around only 8,000), can fit into half of the area of New York’s Central Park.
Similar to the bustling hub of Dubai, its rapid development is apparent in the amount of cranes and construction work strewn about the picturesque hilly coastal city. Similar to Dubai as well, the city offers a plethora of entertainment year-round to attract different types of tourists.
Events such as the Grand Prix and Formula One attract thousands every year and the world-renowned Opera house boasts world class performances regularly which is ideal for activities the whole family could enjoy.
It is well-known Monte Carlo has attracted the world’s wealthiest with its top-notch luxury brands and services, but what is also unique about the city is the amount of privacy the coastal paradise offers.
Our trip was hosted by Emirates, which flies daily to the French city of Nice. The flight arrives at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is situated six kms southwest of the city centre. From there, it is a one hour or so drive to the bustling Monte Carlo.
Speaking to Gulf News, Pascal Camia, Director of Hotel Hermitage, for the Monte Carlo SBM group, said that celebrities often choose Monaco as a travelling destination due to the population’s respect for privacy.
“It’s the type of place where if someone would bump into Jennifer Lopez shopping they would not approach her out of respect,” he told Gulf News.
Camia says that the Monte Carlo SBM has decided to capitalise on this unique selling point to attract visitors from the Gulf who value such things such as privacy and seclusion.
Established in 1863, the Monte Carlo SBM group has been a pioneer in the world of luxury tourism, which is evident in the smallest of details of presentation in any one of the number of hotels throughout the city. Whether its organic gourmet meals or top notch health spas, guests are guaranteed the best of the best.
But what makes it appealing for Gulf tourists perhaps are the private villas offered, which guarantees the utmost privacy and intimacy combined with the scenic views of mountains, greenery and the Mediterranean. The best of the luxury brands are offered and the city is extremely safe where Gulf families would feel at ease in letting their families walk around without worrying about thieves or pickpockets which are present in other European capitals and cities.
The Monte Carlo SBM boasts four top notch hotels which cater towards Muslim families with the option of halal food, prayer mats and Qiblah direction as well as Qurans in the rooms. Guests who book, will need to alert the hotel at least three days in advance to guarantee that the specific requirements are met to the guests satisfaction.
