An increase in the tourist industry in Monaco in 2006

With an increase of 14% in the number of overnight stays between 2005 and 2006, figures for the tourist industry in the Principality of Monaco have continued to develop positively. These results set 2006 as the new year of reference as they have exceeded by 7% those achieved in the record year of 2000. During the annual meeting of overseas representation offices, Michel Bouquier, Chief Representative for Tourism, gave a full assessment of the past year.  

In 2006, Monaco accommodated just under 310,000 tourists, in other words, an additional 115,000 nights compared to 2005 with a total of over 900,000 overnight stays. In terms of market share, the Italians are the best clients as far as hotel stays are concerned (19%), followed by the French (18%), the British (15%), North Americans (13%), the Germans (5%) and the Russians (4%). A parallel should be drawn between these positive results for 2006 and the 12% increase in hotel facilities, i.e. 90,000 more rooms in 2006 compared to 2005. Figures for pleasure tourism were particularly impressive with +12% of additional arrivals (245,000 arrivals in 2006 compared to 219,000 in 2005). Figures for business tourism also showed satisfactory growth with +4% of arrivals and +6% of additional overnight stays. As for the local market, this sector currently represents 11% of the market share. There has been an annual increase of over 35% in the number of passengers within the cruise industry, i.e. 47,000 additional tourists. 

Last but not least, various initiatives were introduced overseas throughout 2006, particularly in the Far East including the opening of a representation office in Shanghai, the launch of a traveling exhibition dedicated to Princess Grace in nine major cities in Japan and the first market survey in India.

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