NEW YORK -- Efforts by the Monaco Government Tourist Office (MGTO)
to attract meetings and incentives groups from North America are
beginning to pay off, with group bookings showing a 42% increase
this year compared with 1997, officials said.
And with a new convention center set to open in 2000, tourism
officials said the meetings and incentives market will remain
strong for several years.
The MGTO has more than 35,000 bed nights and 40 groups confirmed
for 1999 and nearly the same amount scheduled for 2000, according
to Cindy Hoddeson, director of convention and incentive sales for
the tourist office.
"There is no doubt the message that Monaco is one of the most
exciting and rewarding group destinations in Europe is getting
through," Hoddeson said. "Especially in the incentive group market,
Monaco's been real strong."
According to Hoddeson, Monaco has hosted 69 groups from the U.S.
and Canada in 1998, accounting for bed nights in excess of 40,000.
Some 85% of those groups fall into the incentives category, with
groups staying upward of six nights, she said. Meetings groups, on
the other hand, tend to stay three or four nights, and those groups
will soon have a new place to convene when the 375,000 square foot
Le Forum Grimaldi debuts in 2000.
The center will be able to accommodate large groups and
exhibitions, including receptions for up to 3,500 people and
dinners for up to 2,500. It "will position Monaco as the leader as
a meeting and convention destination in the Mediterranean region,"
Hoddeson said.
The MGTO has produced a free CD-ROM for planners who want a
virtual tour of the convention center. In addition, the MGTO
unveiled a membership plan offering amenities to corporate groups,
such as transportation, car rental upgrades and discounts in
restaurants, shops and museums in Monaco.
The Le Club Diamant Rouge plan features a membership card with
the company or group name, Hoddeson said. "Meeting and incentives
participants deserve preferential treatments when they come to
Monaco," she said. "We think membership in Le Club Diamant Rouge is
a great way to reward delegates and top achievers."
Corporate membership in the club is $15 per person, and groups
need at least 10 participants in order to qualify, Hoddeson
said.
MGTO, Phone: (800) 753-9696, Fax: (212) 286-9890, E-mail: [email protected], Web: www.monaco.mc/usa