She is the former Director of Sales, Marketing and Communication for Hotel Royal Riviera in Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat and Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, before taking over as Director of Monaco Convention Bureau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A savvy luxury marketer, Sandrine is familiar with Virtuoso and many advisors know her face from decades of attending Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, along with all the other major MICE & leisure shows around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We start our conversation with Sandrine, discussing the importance of the cruise sector for Monaco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sandrine, can you tell us how significant cruising is to Monaco? How many cruise visitors arrive to the Municipality by sea annually?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cruising is a selective and high-value segment for Monaco. The Principality has implemented strict regulations governing the size of vessels, total number of passengers and crew, and environmental performance, to protect its coastline and urban environment. As a result, Monaco primarily welcomes smaller, upscale ships rather than mass-market liners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each year, Monaco welcomes around 200,000 cruise passengers \u2014 a relatively modest figure, but one that generates a significant economic impact for the destination, particularly for restaurants, shops, and local businesses, especially those in the Old Town and main visitor districts. There is also a growing number of pre- and post-cruise stays, as Monaco\u2019s strategy focuses on attracting cruises that begin or end in the Principality, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is it about the French Riviera and Monaco that lures cruise lines and passengers to your part of the world?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mediterranean is already a dream destination for cruise travellers \u2014 admired for its diversity of landscapes, art of living, gastronomy, and culture \u2014 and the French Riviera embodies all of that in one glamorous coastline. Within it, Monaco stands out as an unmissable stop, offering unique experiences and accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Principality\u2019s unmatched quality of service, particularly through its world-class hotels, its rich cultural and gastronomic scene, and the history of the Princely Family, which has reigned for more than 700 years, give Monaco an identity like no other port in the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestled between the French and Italian Rivieras, Monaco\u2019s compact size allows visitors to explore its many attractions entirely on foot from the harbour, discovering monuments, museums, gardens, shopping, and fine dining within minutes (even if a day is enough to experience all of Monaco\u2019s facets).<\/p>\n\n\n\n With your stellar hospitality career to date, what do you think about ultra-luxury hotel brands entering the superyacht space (Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express, Aman)? And what new opportunities do these brands present for Monaco?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you very much for the kind words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I see it as natural convergence: iconic hotel brands bringing their signature service and lifestyle from land to sea. It\u2019s a perfect fit for Monaco, where excellence, and tailor-made experiences are already part of the destination\u2019s DNA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We already see Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection turnarounds and calls scheduled for Monte-Carlo, and Four Seasons Yachts featuring Monaco in its inaugural Mediterranean programming. These products are completely aligned with Monaco\u2019s positioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How is the destination evolving its cruise offering to cater for guests arriving by sea?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Three priorities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Selective sizing & quality: Monaco targets ships under 250 meters and carrying less than 1,250 guests and crew combined, favoring premium and ultra-luxury lines that match the Principality\u2019s positioning and offering<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Sustainability: Monaco continues to advance its sustainability agenda, with shore power installation at the cruise pier set to be completed soon, allowing ships to connect to electricity and significantly reduce emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Guest experience: Simple, easy city access; Curated tours beyond the clich\u00e9s, alongside visits to Monaco\u2019s must-see landmarks and coordinated calendars so guests step into Monaco\u2019s year-round cultural and sport events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you personally cruised, and if so, where and with which brands? And what was your most recent voyage?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I haven\u2019t taken many cruises personally, but my most recent one was with Crystal last May, during the Virtuoso Overseas Symposium, which sailed from Barcelona to Monaco. Beyond its beautiful itinerary, that ship holds special meaning for a representative of the Monaco destination \u2014 it features several iconic Monaco brands on board, including the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Beefbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond cruising, how is Monaco evolving to overcome overtourism and to appeal to day visitors, overnight stayers and villa guests?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Monaco, we do not view tourism as a problem of \u201covertourism\u201d in the usual sense, because welcoming visitors is at our core : Monaco was created for tourism in 1863, and we have been a land of hospitality for more than 160 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our approach is holistic: the offer is tailored for day-visitors and overnight guests and the local community and residents are comfortable with the rhythm because it is managed, high-quality and respectful of the destination. We don\u2019t aim for mass volumes; our focus is on experience, balance and value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For business tourism, we already host over 300 major events annually, which smooths seasonality, supports mid\/low season stays, and underlines that Monaco is a destination year-round, not just at peak holiday times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do Monaco\u2019s famed hotels provide enough high-end rooms in peak season? Is there room for more luxury inventory or new ultra-luxury brands?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re not in a situation of saturation. Monaco\u2019s hotels undergo regular, thoughtful renovations to maintain the highest standards, with projects often focused on larger rooms and more suites rather than simply increasing capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These ongoing enhancements reflect Monaco\u2019s constant pursuit of excellence and consider the needs of both high- and ultra-high-contribution individual guests and the business and group segment, which remains essential to the destination\u2019s year-round appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few examples of recent renovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The H\u00f4tel de Paris Monte-Carlo<\/strong> was entirely revamped in 2019, a complete transformation that reaffirmed its position as one of the world\u2019s leading palace hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other major projects are ongoing or recently completed: the H\u00f4tel M\u00e9tropole Monte-Carlo, H\u00f4tel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Monte-Carlo Beach, and Fairmont Monte-Carlo, each enhancing their offering through extensive renovations or new suite collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given Monaco\u2019s hotel mix \u2014 already composed of over 80% four- and five-star properties \u2014 future developments will continue to prioritise quality over quantity. There is still room for new openings, particularly in neighbouring municipalities, where several lifestyle-oriented four-star projects are planned. These will complement the Principality\u2019s offer, catering both to the leisure segment and, importantly, to the meeting & convention market, especially following the 6,000 m\u00b2 expansion of the Grimaldi Forum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is Monaco\u2019s culinary scene keeping up with visitor demand? Latest dining venues and \u201cout-of-towner\u201d experiences?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Monaco is, without a doubt, a gourmet destination. It offers an extraordinary variety of dining options \u2014 from Mediterranean to Italian, French, Belgium, English and Asian influences \u2014 with a strong commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce and a genuine \u201cfarm-to-plate\u201d philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It boasts the highest concentration of MICHELIN-starred restaurants per square kilometer in the world \u2014 13 stars spread across 8 restaurants \u2014 an exceptional figure that perfectly reflects the destination\u2019s passion for gastronomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In recent years, Monaco\u2019s culinary landscape has also become increasingly vibrant and festive, with the arrival of international lifestyle dining concepts that add a new dimension to its gourmet appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the most recent openings \u2014 and truly, not a single season goes by without a new restaurant or bar opening in Monaco:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Amaz\u00f3nico Monte-Carlo<\/strong> : a lively, jungle-inspired concept blending dining, music and late-night energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac<\/strong> at the H\u00f4tel M\u00e9tropole Monte-Carlo, already two MICHELIN stars, offering refined Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary flair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Pavyllon Monte-Carlo<\/strong>, a restaurant by Yannick All\u00e9no, showcasing the chef\u2019s signature modern French cuisine and relaxed refinement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 L\u2019Abysse Monte-Carlo<\/strong>, a gourmet Japanese restaurant by master chef Yoshinori Shibuya, newly opened in 2025 at the H\u00f4tel Hermitage, offering an exceptional omakase-style experience that has already earned two MICHELIN stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Blue Bay \u2013 Marcel Ravin<\/strong>, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: two MICHELIN stars, reopened in 2024 after a stunning redesign and now offering exclusive chef\u2019s table formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 The Caf\u00e9 de Paris Monte-Carlo<\/strong>, completely reimagined, remains the beating heart of Place du Casino.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Marlow<\/strong>, a new English dining concept bringing a modern, cosmopolitan energy<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Jondal Monte-Carlo<\/strong>, which launched its first Monaco season this summer at the Monte-Carlo Beach, will reopen for the 2026 summer season, continuing its relaxed yet elegant Mediterranean spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coya Monte-Carlo and Nikki Beach Monte-Carlo, both established for several years, have become essential fixtures in Monaco\u2019s festive dining scene \u2014 Coya with its vibrant contemporary Peruvian cuisine and lively atmosphere, and Nikki Beach with its rooftop setting at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo, overlooking both the Grand Prix hairpin and the Mediterranean Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For out-of-towners, Monaco offers an exceptional range of seasonal and immersive experiences \u2014 from beach clubs, including the new Monte-Carlo Beach by Jacquemus concept, to exclusive wine tastings following the reopening of the legendary H\u00f4tel de Paris wine cellar, one of the largest private hotel cellars in the world, housing over 350,000 bottles. All of this, of course, within walking distance of their hotel or the pier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monaco is once again playing host to the Forbes Travel Guide Summit in 2026. How important are events like \u2018The Summit\u2019 and other hospitality conferences to Monaco?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Events like the Forbes Travel Guide Summit are extremely important for Monaco \u2014 they perfectly align with the Principality\u2019s core values of excellence, hospitality, and innovation. Monaco was the first destination outside the United States to host the Summit earlier this year, and we are very proud to welcome it back in February 2026. It brings together some of the world\u2019s most influential leaders in luxury travel and service, which resonates deeply with Monaco\u2019s positioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More broadly, business tourism is one of the pillars of Monaco\u2019s year-round activity, representing nearly 30% of all hotel room nights sold in the Principality. Every year, we host more than 300 professional events, including major international congresses that have been established here for over a decade. The recent 6,000 m\u00b2 expansion of the Grimaldi Forum further strengthens our capacity to welcome large-scale, high-quality gatherings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2026, Monaco will also host the MICHELIN Guide ceremony<\/strong> and continue to welcome prestigious global events such as the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year. All of these reinforce Monaco\u2019s role as a true hub for international business events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your role must see you travel the globe frequently. How many days are you on the road? Carry-on or checked?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m on the road about once a month for must-attend forums such as Virtuoso Symposium, ILTM shows, and others. My role also involves regular international roadshows organised by our overseas promotion offices (we have one in Australia and six others across three continents).<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m not a light packer \u2014 I\u2019m a girl who loves her outfits and likes to have options, so I always end up taking a bit more than necessary. But I do keep a spare outfit in my cabin bag, just in case my suitcase decides to travel on a different itinerary!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides Monaco (Nice, more specifically), what is your favourite city to fly into, and why? When were you last there?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve been travelling since I was a child \u2014 my father worked for Air France, so travel has always been part of my life. My favourite city to fly into is New York, the first city I ever discovered with my father. I\u2019ve been back more than 50 times, both for work and for pleasure. I just love the city\u2019s energy and rhythm \u2014 everything feels a little larger than life, and it still manages to surprise me every single time I go back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also have many friends in New York, people I\u2019ve known for years, most of them travel industry professionals. That\u2019s one of the things I love most about my job \u2014 it allows me to meet incredible people from all over the world and to connect with different cultures and perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for my most recent long-haul trip, it was to Australia two months ago \u2014 and I promise I\u2019m not saying that just because this is an Australian publication! It was a truly unforgettable family journey exploring Sydney, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef \u2014 one of the most remarkable travel experiences I\u2019ve had in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally\u2014this is ‘LATTE’ afterall\u2014what\u2019s your favourite coffee beverage?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I don\u2019t like my coffee too strong \u2014 even though in Monaco, as in nearby Italy, people usually drink it ristretto. I prefer a smooth, balanced espresso, That might also be because I\u2019ve learned to appreciate American coffee, which is much lighter \u2014 and a bit more forgiving first thing in the morning!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This week, LATTE chats exclusively with Sandrine Camia, the Deputy Director Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority. Sandrine has had a spectacular career in luxury hospitality, with roles at ultra-luxury properties including Hotel Lutetia in Paris and Hotel Martinez in Cannes, both properties of the Taittinger Family. She is the former Director of Sales, Marketing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":187502,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":".gsbp-ba7c925{margin-bottom:20px}.gsbp-48cc6e1{margin-bottom:0!important;padding-top:15px!important}.gsbp-77df6fd{font-size:13px;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#545454;padding-bottom:15px}.gsbp-8c6d61e{margin-bottom:20px}.gsbp-c5d1c16{margin-bottom:0!important;padding-top:20px!important}.gsbp-141a1a5{font-size:13px;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#545454;padding-bottom:20px}.gsbp-ae00e95{margin-bottom:20px}.gsbp-b93f6f8{margin-bottom:0!important;padding-top:20px!important}.gsbp-1f1191a{font-size:13px;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#545454;padding-bottom:20px}.gsbp-1bd8639{margin-bottom:20px}.gsbp-ad8c425{margin-bottom:0!important}.gsbp-d896efc{font-size:13px;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#545454;padding-bottom:20px;padding-top:20px}.gsbp-6335649{margin-bottom:20px;padding-bottom:20px}.gsbp-7673495{margin-bottom:0!important;padding-top:20px!important}.gsbp-85f851f{font-size:13px;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#545454}.gsbp-7983dc8{margin-bottom:20px}.gsbp-6bccea1{margin-bottom:0!important}.gsbp-79e347e{font-size:13px;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#545454}.gsbp-aac2093{margin-bottom:20px}.gsbp-ab1e2ab{margin-bottom:0!important;padding-top:20px!important}.gsbp-ede52a8{font-size:13px;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#545454;padding-bottom:20px}.gsbp-9b19953{margin-bottom:20px}.gsbp-c05bfaf{margin-bottom:0!important;padding-top:20px!important}.gsbp-d7a085a{font-size:13px;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#545454;padding-bottom:20px}.gsbp-ec24904{margin-bottom:20px}.gsbp-043512c{margin-bottom:0!important;padding-top:20px!important}.gsbp-093f4ef{font-size:13px;font-style:italic;text-align:center;color:#545454;padding-bottom:20px}","footnotes":""},"categories":[544211260,544207425],"tags":[544218394,544218393,544207408],"class_list":["post-187500","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destination","category-interviews","tag-monaco-government-tourist-and-convention-authority","tag-sandrine-camia","tag-visit-monaco"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/latteluxurynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/headshot-Sandrine-CAMIA-1132x650-1.jpg\")
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