Monaco Named 'Best European Destination 2025': An Economic Opportunity for Tourism
After securing a significant title based on a record number of international votes, Monaco anticipates a boost in tourism and economic growth.
On February 18, 2025, Monaco was awarded the prestigious title of 'European Best Destination,' marking a notable achievement following its second-place finish in 2024. This recognition positions Monaco as the first Francophone destination to receive this accolade since Bordeaux in 2015. The award was determined by a massive voting turnout of 1.2 million travelers from 158 countries, with Monaco receiving a total of 115,891 votes, 98% of which were cast by international tourists.
This significant public endorsement reflects the Principality's appeal in areas such as sustainable luxury, nature, wellness, gastronomy, environmental protection, sports activities, and high-end shopping.
According to Guy Antognelli, Director of Tourism and Congress, the recognition underscores the excellence of Monaco as perceived particularly by visitors from key markets like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Beyond the honorific title, there are expectations that this recognition will yield substantial economic opportunities for the territory.
Historical data from previous winners indicates a strong correlation between this title and increased tourist influx.
Maximilien Lejeune, CEO of European Best Destination, cited examples such as Porto, which, after being awarded in 2012, saw a doubling of airport traffic.
Similarly, Bordeaux, the last Francophone winner in 2015, experienced a 13.7% increase in tourist visits that year, accompanied by a 17.9% rise in revenue per available room.
In 2019, Budapest marked an 18% increase in tourism traffic, while Marbella, the 2024 winner, achieved a hotel occupancy rate of 80.9%, a historic high in its 26-year history.
The title of 'Best European Destination' also translates into significant media visibility.
Lejeune noted that Marbella gained extensive media coverage in various international publications, contributing to approximately 15 million media exposures annually.
Furthermore, Éze, a charming commune in the region, secured an impressive 15th place in the ranking.
The 2025 ranking of the top 20 European destinations was compiled from over 500 locations based on the same record voting figures.
The destinations were selected based on criteria such as quality of life, commitment to sustainable development, year-round cultural programming, growing popularity on social media, and international recognition.
The top 20 destinations include:
1. Monaco
2. Riga, Latvia
3. Dubrovnik and Cavtat, Croatia
4. Madrid, Spain
5. Namur, Belgium
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Olhão, Portugal
8. Mljet, Croatia
9. Lisbon, Portugal
10. Antipaxos, Greece
11. Dhërmi, Albania
12. Bath, United Kingdom
13. Folégandros, Greece
14. Istanbul, Turkey
15. Èze, France
16. Ascona, Switzerland
17. Ålesund, Norway
18. Cassis, France
19. Seville, Spain
20. Porto-Montenegro, Montenegro.
The trophy was officially presented to Pierre-André Chiappori at the Hôtel Meridien on March 18, coinciding with the annual report of the Monaco Tourism and Congress Directorate, which included a review of 2024 and the strategic outlook for 2025.
This significant public endorsement reflects the Principality's appeal in areas such as sustainable luxury, nature, wellness, gastronomy, environmental protection, sports activities, and high-end shopping.
According to Guy Antognelli, Director of Tourism and Congress, the recognition underscores the excellence of Monaco as perceived particularly by visitors from key markets like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Beyond the honorific title, there are expectations that this recognition will yield substantial economic opportunities for the territory.
Historical data from previous winners indicates a strong correlation between this title and increased tourist influx.
Maximilien Lejeune, CEO of European Best Destination, cited examples such as Porto, which, after being awarded in 2012, saw a doubling of airport traffic.
Similarly, Bordeaux, the last Francophone winner in 2015, experienced a 13.7% increase in tourist visits that year, accompanied by a 17.9% rise in revenue per available room.
In 2019, Budapest marked an 18% increase in tourism traffic, while Marbella, the 2024 winner, achieved a hotel occupancy rate of 80.9%, a historic high in its 26-year history.
The title of 'Best European Destination' also translates into significant media visibility.
Lejeune noted that Marbella gained extensive media coverage in various international publications, contributing to approximately 15 million media exposures annually.
Furthermore, Éze, a charming commune in the region, secured an impressive 15th place in the ranking.
The 2025 ranking of the top 20 European destinations was compiled from over 500 locations based on the same record voting figures.
The destinations were selected based on criteria such as quality of life, commitment to sustainable development, year-round cultural programming, growing popularity on social media, and international recognition.
The top 20 destinations include:
1. Monaco
2. Riga, Latvia
3. Dubrovnik and Cavtat, Croatia
4. Madrid, Spain
5. Namur, Belgium
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Olhão, Portugal
8. Mljet, Croatia
9. Lisbon, Portugal
10. Antipaxos, Greece
11. Dhërmi, Albania
12. Bath, United Kingdom
13. Folégandros, Greece
14. Istanbul, Turkey
15. Èze, France
16. Ascona, Switzerland
17. Ålesund, Norway
18. Cassis, France
19. Seville, Spain
20. Porto-Montenegro, Montenegro.
The trophy was officially presented to Pierre-André Chiappori at the Hôtel Meridien on March 18, coinciding with the annual report of the Monaco Tourism and Congress Directorate, which included a review of 2024 and the strategic outlook for 2025.
