American F1 Fever Fuels Monaco's Luxury Boom as SBM Delivers Record-Breaking Year

 

The growing American fascination with Formula 1 is rapidly reshaping Monaco’s tourism landscape, and few companies are benefiting more than the Principality’s hospitality giant, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.

 

Fresh from a Formula 1 weekend that once again transformed Monaco into the centre of the sporting and luxury world, SBM has announced the strongest financial performance in its history.

The group generated a record €861.6 million in revenue during the 2025/2026 financial year, representing a 12 percent increase over the previous year and highlighting the continued global appeal of Monaco’s high-end tourism and entertainment sector.

 

For a business such as ours that serves a predominantly North American audience, the figures are hardly surprising. Formula 1’s explosive growth in the United States has brought a new generation of affluent American visitors to Monaco, many of whom are discovering the Principality for the first time through the sport. That trend is now becoming visible across hotels, casinos, restaurants and luxury experiences throughout SBM’s portfolio.

 

Speaking during the presentation of the annual results, SBM President-Delegate Stéphane Valeri described the year as a historic milestone for the group. Growth was recorded across every division, from hospitality and gaming to real estate and dining, reflecting strong demand throughout Monaco’s luxury sector.

 

One of the most notable developments is the changing profile of SBM’s clientele. North American visitors, alongside guests from the Middle East, have emerged as some of the group’s most important customers.

At the same time, the average age of visitors continues to decline, indicating that Monaco is attracting a younger and more internationally diverse luxury audience than in previous decades.

 

Formula 1 remains a major driver behind this evolution. While financial regulations limited detailed discussion of the most recent Monaco Grand Prix, Valeri confirmed that the event delivered exceptional results across SBM’s operations. According to the group, revenues during Grand Prix weekend can reach six or seven times normal daily levels.

 

The increasing presence of wealthy American visitors has been particularly significant. Formula 1’s expansion under the ownership of Liberty Media has dramatically broadened the sport’s appeal in the United States, transforming races such as Monaco into must-attend events for a growing number of high-net-worth travellers.

 

SBM’s hotel division generated €443.1 million in revenue, an increase of 11 percent. Higher room rates, combined with renovations at the legendary Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, contributed significantly to the gains. Food and beverage operations also enjoyed a strong year, boosted by new concepts including the Cédric Grolet Monte-Carlo tea room and the continued success of Marlow at Mareterra.

 

The casino business delivered the most dramatic growth. Revenue climbed 20 percent to €259.6 million, driven by increased gaming activity, stronger table game performance and higher slot machine volumes. Meanwhile, SBM’s property portfolio continued to generate reliable returns, with rental revenues rising to €156.5 million and residential occupancy remaining close to full capacity.

 

Operating profit reached €86.6 million while net profit increased to €112.9 million. The group closed the financial year with a strong balance sheet, including net positive cash reserves of €158.8 million and shareholder equity approaching €1.7 billion.

 

Investment also remained a priority. SBM spent nearly €177 million on development and renovation projects, including upgrades to its flagship hotels and work on the Monte-Carlo One project in Courchevel. New openings continue to strengthen the group’s offering, including Gustave at Hôtel Hermitage, while the return of La Vigie under chef Simone Zanoni and the refurbishment of La Rascasse are expected to further enhance Monaco’s appeal.

 

The figures paint a clear picture of a destination that continues to evolve. While Monaco’s reputation has long been built on European glamour, the latest results suggest the Principality is increasingly becoming a playground for a younger, more international and notably more American luxury clientele.

As Formula 1’s popularity continues to soar across North America, Monaco appears well positioned to remain one of the sport’s most coveted destinations—and one of its biggest financial winners.

Monaco's Open-Air Cinema Returns June 19: Movies Under the Stars Above the Mediterranean

 

For many residents and visitors, summer in Monaco does not truly begin until the giant screen overlooking the Mediterranean lights up for the first time. On Friday, June 19, the legendary Monaco Open-Air Cinema returns for its 2026 season, once again transforming the Esplanade des Pêcheurs beneath the Rock into one of the most spectacular movie venues in Europe.

 

First opened in 1948 and operating from its current location since 2002, the cinema has become one of Monaco’s most beloved summer traditions. With a massive screen measuring approximately 200 square metres and seating for around 500 people, it is widely regarded as Europe’s largest outdoor cinema. Set between the cliffs of Monaco-Ville and the sea, the venue offers something few cinemas in the world can match: blockbuster films under the stars with the Mediterranean stretching into the darkness behind the screen.

No Reservations – Arrive Early

One of the most important things to know is that the Monaco Open-Air Cinema does not accept reservations and tickets cannot be purchased online. Admission operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, with tickets sold only at the venue. Regular attendees know that arriving early is often the best way to secure a preferred seat, especially on weekends and during the height of the tourist season.

For the opening weeks of the season, doors open at 9:00 p.m., screenings begin at 9:30 p.m., and the main feature starts at 10:00 p.m. As summer progresses and sunset arrives earlier, start times are adjusted accordingly.

Ticket Prices

The cinema offers several seating options:

• White chairs: €12

• Student rate: €9

• Green premium seats: €18

• Brown armchairs: €23

A bar and snack area are available on-site throughout the evening.

Films Scheduled for Summer 2026

The first weeks of the season feature a mix of major Hollywood releases, family favourites and anticipated sequels. Titles currently scheduled include:

• Disclosure Day

• Toy Story 5

• Michael

• The Devil Wears Prada 2

• Des Minions et des Monstres

• Scary Movie

• Supergirl

• Vaiana, la légende du bout du monde

• L’Odyssée

• Le Mariage de Monaco

As always, films are presented in their original language with French subtitles, a format particularly appreciated by Monaco’s international audience.

More Than Just a Movie

What makes the Monaco Open-Air Cinema special is not simply the film programme. The experience begins long before the opening credits roll. Guests arrive while the sky is still glowing over the Riviera, settle into their seats, enjoy refreshments, and watch the lights of Monaco and neighbouring Cap d’Ail flicker to life across the water.

 

Unlike modern multiplexes, there is a distinctly social atmosphere. Friends gather before the film, visitors from around the world mingle, and the sound of the sea often accompanies the soundtrack. The venue manages to feel both grand and intimate at the same time.

 

For anyone spending a summer evening in Monaco, the Open-Air Cinema offers one of the Principality’s most memorable experiences. As the sun sets over the Mediterranean and the lights of the Riviera begin to sparkle, moviegoers can sit beneath the stars and enjoy a film in a setting unlike any other.

Combining the glamour of the Côte d’Azur with the simple pleasure of outdoor cinema, it has become a cherished summer tradition and remains one of Monaco’s most iconic seasonal attractions.

For the latest programme updates throughout the season, cinema-goers should check the official schedule, as additional films are expected to be added through September.

Nice’s “Little Marais” Shines Again as Rue Bonaparte Reclaims Its Rainbow

 

For many residents and visitors, the rainbow-painted entrance to Rue Bonaparte is more than just a colourful piece of street art—it is a symbol of the district’s identity, history, and commitment to inclusion. This month, the iconic markings that welcome people into Nice’s celebrated “Petit Marais” have been refreshed, restoring one of the city’s most recognizable symbols of LGBTQIA+ visibility.

 

On June 8, municipal crews repainted the pedestrian section of Rue Bonaparte leading toward Place du Pin, bringing back the vibrant rainbow bands and striking blue roadway that have become a defining feature of the neighbourhood.

First introduced in 2020 as part of a pedestrianization project developed with local businesses, the colourful design initially sparked debate. Some critics questioned the bold aesthetic, while supporters embraced it as a distinctive expression of the area’s character.

Today, the painted street has become a popular attraction, drawing tourists and photographers while serving as a visual landmark for one of Nice’s most dynamic districts.

 

The area surrounding Rue Bonaparte and Place du Pin earned the nickname “Le Petit Marais” in reference to Paris’s famous Marais district, long regarded as the heart of LGBTQIA+ life in the French capital. 

During the 2000s and 2010s, the neighbourhood emerged as the centre of LGBTQIA+ nightlife and community life in Nice. Gay bars, cafés, restaurants, and inclusive social venues helped transform what had once been a relatively quiet area into one of the city’s most vibrant destinations.

Although several of those pioneering establishments have since closed or changed hands, their influence helped shape the neighbourhood’s reputation as a welcoming and diverse space where people could gather openly and safely.

 

The restoration of the rainbow markings during Pride Month carries particular significance. Across the world, the rainbow flag has become one of the most widely recognized symbols of LGBTQIA+ pride, equality, and solidarity. 

First created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, the flag was designed to represent diversity, hope, and the many different identities that make up the LGBTQIA+ community. Over the decades, rainbow colours have come to signify far more than celebration; they are often viewed as a visible sign that a space is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

 

For many LGBTQIA+ people, the presence of rainbow symbols in public spaces provides reassurance that they can express themselves authentically without fear of discrimination. In cities around the world, rainbow crossings, murals, and public art installations have become powerful reminders that diversity is valued and that inclusion belongs in everyday life, not just during Pride celebrations.

 

As Nice continues to evolve, the renewed colours of Rue Bonaparte serve as a reminder of the neighbourhood’s unique history and the community spirit that helped make Le Petit Marais one of the French Riviera’s most welcoming districts.

Whether viewed as public art, a cultural landmark, or a statement of solidarity, the rainbow gateway remains an enduring symbol of visibility, acceptance, and pride in the heart of the city.

Monaco Pride 2026 to Shine a Light on Equality, Inclusion and Community

 

Monaco Pride 2026 will return on Wednesday, July 8, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, residents and supporters for an evening dedicated to visibility, inclusion and equality in the Principality.

This year’s event will be hosted at the newly rebranded Stars of Monaco, formerly known as Marius, on Quai Antoine Ier, marking another important milestone in the continuing effort to build a more inclusive Monaco.

 

For those who have experienced Pride celebrations in major European or North American cities, Monaco’s version may appear modest by comparison. There are no giant parades stretching through city streets or massive festival grounds packed with tens of thousands of attendees.

Yet what Monaco Pride lacks in size, it more than makes up for in significance. The event represents an important opportunity for a community that has historically had limited visibility within the Principality to come together, celebrate diversity and continue advocating for equal treatment and recognition.

 

At the heart of these efforts is Mon’Arc En Ciel, Monaco’s grassroots LGBTQIA+ rights association. The independent, non-partisan organization was created to give a stronger voice to LGBTQIA+ people living and working in Monaco while promoting equality, visibility and inclusion.

Through advocacy, community outreach and engagement with decision-makers, the association works to challenge discrimination and advance equal rights for all residents regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

 

The organization brings together a diverse group of supporters including residents, workers, retirees, families and allies who share a common belief that everyone deserves the same dignity, respect and legal protections. In recent years, Mon’Arc En Ciel has become one of the leading voices encouraging open discussion about LGBTQIA+ issues in Monaco and helping foster a greater sense of belonging within the community.

 

While Monaco enjoys a reputation as an international, cosmopolitan destination, LGBTQIA+ advocates argue that important gaps remain when it comes to legal recognition and equality compared with many neighbouring European countries.

As a result, Pride continues to play an important role not only as a celebration but also as a platform for education, awareness and dialogue. It provides an opportunity to highlight ongoing challenges, support LGBTQIA+ youth and families, and encourage broader conversations about inclusion within Monégasque society.

 

The growing attendance and support for Monaco Pride over recent years suggest that attitudes are evolving and that many residents want to see a more welcoming and inclusive future for the Principality. For organizers, the event is ultimately about creating a space where everyone can feel seen, respected and valued.

 

This year’s gathering at Stars of Monaco will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to all. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Due to limited capacity at the venue, organizers are encouraging anyone wishing to attend to reserve their place in advance by contacting Mon’Arc En Ciel.

 

As Monaco Pride 2026 approaches, the message from organizers remains clear: equality, inclusion and community are values that benefit everyone, and Pride continues to be an important reminder that the journey toward full acceptance and equal rights is one that deserves ongoing support.