Monaco, a sovereign city state near France, has sent a government team to Saudi Arabia to lure in more tourists although the Kingdom already accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the Gulf visitors to the Principality.

Michel Bouquier, President of the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority, is heading the delegation to announce new tourism initiatives for citizens from the Gulf Kingdom, the world’s dominant oil power.Addressing reporters in Riyadh on Tuesday, Bouquier said Saudi Arabia is one of the” top producers” for Monaco in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the Kingdom accounting for nearly 40 per cent of total Gulf travellers to the city in the first half of 2011. 

“The number of outbound travellers from Saudi Arabia to Monaco has steadily risen year on year. Arrivals from Saudi were up 19.7 per cent in the first half of 2011 when compared to the same period last year,” he said in statements sent by his information team to 'Emirates24|7'.

Bouquier said he was visiting Saudi Arabia to promote ‘Destination Monaco’ and is organizing a series of events as part of the mega campaign including travel trade shows in Riyadh and Al Khobar that seek to highlight the many attractions of the Principality to trade partners while strengthening relations. “Monaco’s economy is primarily geared towards finance, commerce and tourism, with tourism and related industries accounting for nearly a fifth of the country’s gross domestic product,” he said.

Citing government figures in the Gulf kingdom, he said outbound tourism in Saudi Arabia is currently growing at a rate of 10 per cent year on year with eight million people forecast to travel abroad by 2012.

Last year, about 4.5 million Saudis, representing nearly a quarter of the country’s nationals, travelled overseas and spent about $33 billion, according to 'Travel DailyNews', a tourism survey website. Saudi travellers are among the biggest spenders and contribute significantly to global tourism, it said.As part of its promotional campaign, Monaco is also rolling out for the first time in Saudi Arabia ‘Monaco Private Label’ programme, one of the world’s most prestigious tourism plans and a private invitation to individuals identified as worthy of enjoying exclusive access to Monaco’s many elite offerings. “Monaco Private Label is a means of appreciation for the Principality’s most valued elite visitors, and we are here to reaffirm the value we place on our relationship with our loyal guests from KSA,” Bouquier said.

He said 40 “connoisseurs of luxury” have been nominated to receive the “keys to Monaco” – becoming the programme’s first members from the country to enjoy a lifetime of privileged access to the many charms of this beautiful city. “Monaco Private Label lets one live the unique experience of Monaco at a level of elegance that money cannot buy.”

Located on the Mediterranean Sea along the French Riviera, the Principality of Monaco is a fairy-tale destination synonymous with high-flying glamour and glitz. It is known as a fiscal paradise and is home to many of the world’s most lavish yachts, luxury hotels and high fashion as well as the World’s grandest Grand Prix, that is the most iconic and exciting race on the Formula One season. With an area of only around 1.9 square km and population of nearly 35,000, Monaco is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

The Principality also had the world’s highest GDP per capita of $151,000 in 2010.