Contact:

Emily Lyons Monaco Government Tourist Office Tel: (212) 286-3330 E-mail: emily@monaco1.org

MAJOR ADDITIONS, RENOVATIONS, AND EVENTS REPOSITION MONACO AS THE DESTINATION OF THE 21ST CENTURY 

Principality Adds New Hotels and Rooms, Expands Harbor and Hosts New Events
 

NEW YORK - April 1, 2003 - The Principality of Monaco is rolling out the red carpet to further entice tourists to visit. Hotel renovations, special events, and expanded facilities are all part of the changes and enhancements that are being made to provide an even more pleasant stay in the 'jewel-box of the Riviera.'

Among the changes is the addition of 750 hotel rooms by 2006, an increase of 1/3 of the Principality's total capacity. New hotels, including a new SBM property and a Novotel are scheduled to open in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The Principality is also nearing completion of its Port Hercule harbor expansion, which will double the capacity of the harbor, allowing Monaco to host twice as many luxury cruise ships as before.

"Monaco is even more committed than ever to improving our hotels and services and increasing our capacity for hosting visitors," said Maguy Maccario-Doyle, Director of the Monaco Government Tourist Office in New York. "We are taking advantage of this uncertain- and less busy time- to renew and update ourselves so we are better positioned for the 21st century."

The following is a list of what's new in Monaco for 2003:

HOTEL NEWS:
· NEW PORT PALACE HOTEL TO OPEN IN MONACO
Monaco's best-kept secret- literally! The plans for this ultra-luxury, all-suite hotel have been kept so under wraps that even the Monaco Tourist Office doesn't have all the details. What we do know is that this centrally-located, harbor-side property will feature 50 exclusive luxury suites, a restaurant, two beauty institutes, two bars, and a fitness center.

· NEW NOVOTEL HOTEL TO OPEN IN MONACO
A new Novotel hotel is scheduled to be built in the Principality. Construction will begin in 4-6 months on a 232 room 3-star luxe hotel that will offer meeting rooms, a pool and fitness center. The hotel will be located on the Avenue Princesse Charlotte, steps away from the Monaco train station and the famed Place du Casino. The work is scheduled to be finished in 2006.

· NEW SBM HOTEL
The Societe des Bains de Mer (SBM), owner and operator of many of Monaco's most exclusive and significant properties, including the Hotel de Paris, Hotel Hermitage, Hotel Mirabeau, Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, Monte-Carlo Casino, Les Thermes Marins spa, and the Monte-Carlo Country Club, is constructing a brand new hotel in the Larvotto district of the Principality. This 330-room property will encompass a classical architectural style in keeping with the SBM's other properties. The hotel will be designed by Mr. Pierre-Yves Rochon who designed the Sofitel Chicago and London, as well as the Georges V in Paris. The hotel will be located next to the Sporting Monte-Carlo and should be completed by the end of 2005.

· LE MÉTROPOLE PALACE HOTEL RENOVATIONS
Le Métropole will begin a major renovation and refurbishment project in September 2003 that will affect the lobby, restaurant, sleeping rooms and exterior landscape. A total closure of the hotel will take place for six months. The work is designed by renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia who is known for his work on the Hotel Costes and other hotels belonging to the Lucien Barriere Group. The completed project will have a "private palazzo" ambiance with extensive use of stonework, marble and Italian draperies. In addition, there will be a new restaurant with outdoor dining and an E'SPA facility and restaurant offering a unique Asian-inspired spa experience.

· HOTEL HERMITAGE EXPANSION
The Hotel Hermitage began a major renovation, expansion and refurbishment project that will be completed in April 2004. The work concerns two levels of sleeping rooms in the "Princes" and "Beaumarchais" wings, as well as the hotel's kitchens. 63 rooms and suites will be added to the existing 229, and 40 rooms will be completely renovated. Until May 2003 when the Beaumarchais Hall is completed, guests of the hotel will be greeted in the Jardin d'Hiver. Le Vistamar restaurant has also temporarily been relocated to the Jardin d'Hiver's upstairs level until May 2003. The goal of the project is to improve the comfort and services of this prestigious Monégasque hotel that, as of September 1, 2002, ranks among the elite list of Leading Hotels of the World.

· LE MÉRIDIEN BEACH PLAZA HOTEL ROOFTOP ADDITION
Le Méridien has announced that it will be reopening its 10th floor as exclusive executive suite accommodations similar in style to the chic 11th floor RoofTop suites. The new rooms, 32 in all, are scheduled to open in April 2003. The rooms feature high-tech bathrooms with flat-screen TV's.

· MONTE-CARLO BEACH HOTEL NEW SUITE
The Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel is pleased to announce the opening of their new ultra-exclusive "Sunshine Suite." This breathtaking suite features two luxurious ocean-view bedrooms, two bathrooms, dressing room, living room, and dining room/library. The suite is decorated in a classic yet contemporary style that combines natural woods and marble with soft colors and fabrics. Chandeliers, sculpted tables, mirrors and moldings pay homage to the glorious Belle Epoque style, while cushy sofas, chairs and beds make visitors feel right at home. The Sunshine Suite is the first in a new concept for the SBM, "Chez vous, chez nous," (At home with us)

· HOTEL DE PARIS RENOVATED SUITE
The Hotel de Paris has recently renovated their exclusive Winston Churchill Suite. Located on the top floor of Monte-Carlo's most historic and prestigious hotel, the Churchill Suite boasts its own private entrance, living room, 2-bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, giant circular Jacuzzi, and 360-degree views over Monaco and the Mediterranean. Its no wonder that this privileged apartment was once home to the famed statesman, soldier, writer and artist Sir Winston Churchill.

· COLUMBUS MONACO HOTEL NEW GM
Columbus Monaco welcomes Mr. Pascal Leprou as the hotel's new General Manager. Leprou formerly served as General Manager of the SBM's Hotel Mirabeau in Monaco. Prior to that, he held senior management positions with Hyatt International in the Middle East and Europe and with Sofitel Hotels & Resorts.

· HOTEL MIRABEAU NEW GM
Mr. Alessandro Cabella has joined the SBM's Hotel Mirabeau as General Manager. Cabella brings with him 12 years of experience with Le Méridien Hotels, where he served as Deputy Manager of the Hotel Méridien Lingotto, and Deputy Manager of Le Méridien Penina Golf and Resort in Algarve, Portugal.

COUNTRY ENHANCEMENTS:
· MAJOR MONACO HARBOR EXTENSION
Construction began in 1999 on a new, $200-million state-of-the-art breakwater that will not only double the capacity of Monaco's port but also enable it to accept larger cruise ships and yachts. The result for cruise passengers and other visitors from around the world will be an even more vibrant, exciting and busy port in one of the most glamorous destinations in Europe. The new semi-floating breakwater, anchored using the latest "fixed seawall" technology, will, when all phases of construction are completed, (estimated sometime in 2004) contain a cruise terminal, extensive maritime storage space, a four-level, 350-car underwater parking garage and other offices and facilities. The breakwater also has been designed to provide improved protection from the sea, storms and even earthquakes. The construction of the 1155-foot long, 92-foot wide (with 52 feet beneath the surface of the sea) and 175,000 ton structure will result in the doubling of the capacity of the Port Hercule harbor within the breakwater, from 484 slips to 877. In addition, two large cruise vessels will be able to dock along the breakwater, with immediate access to the new cruise terminal.

GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS:
· LOCAL MONACO TOURIST OFFICE NAMES NEW DIRECTOR
On October 15th, the Monaco Government appointed Michel Bouquier as President of the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority. Mr. Bouquier, who is native of France, has spent more than 20 years working for the French Government Tourist Offices abroad serving as Managing Director in Zurich, Geneva, Chicago and finally in New York, where he was Director from 1987-1993. Bouquier then returned to France where he was named Managing Director of "Relais et Chateaux" and launched the association's first world-wide central reservation system. Just before joining the Principality, Bouquier was General Manager of Marketing and Development for the Forte Heritage Hotels group. His goal for Monaco is, "to develop a multi-faceted strategy: To spread the tourist flow year-round, mainly through the conference and incentive market and in attracting sophisticated inter-national independent travelers."

SPECIAL EVENTS:
· MONTE-CARLO CIRCUS FESTIVAL STUDENT ART CONTEST- U.S.A.
The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival was created by H.S.H Prince Rainier in 1974 to showcase the world's greatest circus performers. Each year hundreds of circus acts request to be a part of this week-long ceremony/competition, during which the two greatest performances are crowned with the coveted Gold and Silver Clown awards. In addition to the official jury, presided by H.S.H. Prince Rainier and H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover, there is a "Junior Jury", made up of 6 children between the ages of 8 - 12. Now American children have the opportunity to sit beside royalty in Monaco, watch the competition, and then ultimately play a part in the award ceremony as a VIP judge. To win this coveted seat, organizers created a special student art contest themed around the circus. Children ages 8-12 from around the world are invited to participate, and submit circus themed artwork to the Monaco Government Tourist Office. The artwork is then forwarded to Monaco where the best artwork pieces from each of 6 countries are rewarded with an all-expense paid trip to Monaco for the artist and their parents. These children attend the festival, are seated in a special loge next to the Prince and are responsible for bestowing a special prize that is given out during the festival's awards ceremony. The contest officially begins September 2003. Rules and regulations for participation will be distributed at this time.

· MONACO SENIORS TENNIS TOURNAMENT
2003 marks the second year Monaco hosts the Tamoil "Legends of Monte-Carlo" Senior Champions Tennis Tournament, part of the Delta Tour of Champions. The competition, which takes place from November 20-23 at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, will welcome such tennis greats as John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Yannick Noah, Henri Leconte, Petr Korda, Mansour Bahrani, and Boris Becker. A special highlight of the event will be a pro-celebrity doubles event featuring Monaco's own Prince Albert. Under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco and organized by Monte-Carlo Entertainment, creator of the annual Monte-Carlo Pro Celebrity Golf Tournament, the Delta Tour of Champions is sanctioned by the ATP and provides a rare opportunity to see these tennis legends take to the courts once again.

(For a complete list of annual special events in Monaco, please go to www.visitmonaco.com)

AIRPORT EXPANSION:
· NICE COTE D'AZUR INT'L AIRPORT
As the second largest airport in France after Paris, Nice International airport is truly the gateway to Southern Europe. In an effort to better accommodate its 9.2 million annual passengers, the airport has recently opened its expanded T2 terminal. With this extension, the terminal can now comfortably accommodate 4 million more passengers annually. This addition will not only aid in providing a more comfortable environment for passengers, but will enable the airport and the airlines to provide more efficient service to arriving and departing travelers.

For more information on all that's new in Monaco, contact the Monaco Government Tourist Office at 565 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017; telephone (800) 753-9696 or (212) 286-3330; or e-mail at MGTO@monaco1.org. Information is also available via the MTGO web site at www.visitmonaco.com.