Did the end-of-year holidays deliver a welcome lift for Monaco’s traders?
While it may still be too early to draw firm conclusions, early signs from the Principality suggest a lively festive season marked by strong footfall, international visitors and renewed optimism among local merchants.
Throughout the Christmas and New Year period, Monaco’s streets were noticeably busy, with visitors from across Europe and beyond filling shopping districts, cafés and restaurants. Italian visitors, long a familiar presence in the Principality, were particularly visible, alongside tourists drawn by Monaco’s festive atmosphere, mild winter weather and seasonal events. For many traders, the combination of holiday travel and leisure spending created a promising backdrop for business.
Hospitality predictably led the way, with hotels and restaurants benefiting from high demand. But street-level retail also saw encouraging activity, helped by the early launch of Monaco’s winter sales on January 2. Starting ahead of neighbouring regions, the sales period provided an additional incentive for visitors to browse boutiques and make purchases during their stay, adding momentum at a time when consumer interest can otherwise wane.
Beyond pure commerce, Monaco’s extensive festive programme played a key role. Illuminations across the Principality, the Christmas market at Port Hercule, roaming entertainment and the globally shared images of Place du Casino all contributed to a strong sense of occasion. These attractions not only brought people into Monaco, but encouraged them to linger, explore side streets and spend across multiple sectors.
While online retail remains a growing challenge, many local businesses continue to emphasise what sets Monaco apart: personal service, multilingual staff and a welcoming, human-scale shopping experience. As merchants now await consolidated figures, confidence remains high that the holiday season has once again underlined Monaco’s appeal as both a destination and a place to do business.
