Advice for Young Holidaymakers

Whether it’s your first time on holiday with your friends, or you’ve been once or twice before, looking out for each other and a little bit of prep before you travel goes a long way when it comes to staying safe abroad, allowing you to have a great time and a memorable trip for all the right reasons!

Here are Monarch’s tips and advice to help you have a fun and safe holiday: 

Before you travel

  • Make sure you know what you’ve booked – that way you will know what to expect on arrival. Booking with an Monarch Member can help you find the best place to visit, considering your budget and the type of holiday you’re after.
  • Tell your parents or emergency contact about your travel plans – leave a copy of your itinerary with them, or someone you trust back home, including contact details for where you are staying.
  • Keep in touch, a quick text every day will let them know you are safe.
  • Leave a scanned copy of your passport with your parents or emergency contact – in the event that you lose your passport, this will save you time if you need to apply for a replacement and your parents will be able to contact The Embassy in the country you’re staying in to provide proof of your identity.
  • Take out travel insurance – make sure it covers you for all the activities you want to do and leave a copy with your parents or emergency contact back home.
  • Carry the policy number and insurance company phone number with you too so that you or your friends have it to hand if you need it.
  • If you do get taken ill, call your insurance company, they have the experience to know how you can get the best help. 
  • Make a note of the emergency services phone number – in most European countries it’s 112 but may be different if you’re travelling to a destination further afield. 
  • Get a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) – it’s free and provides access to state medical care in many destinations. However, it’s not accepted in every country and will not pay for repatriation to the UK if you are seriously ill, so it’s very important to get travel insurance as well.
  • Check the local laws and customs – these will often be entirely different to the ones you are used to in the UK and may lead to serious penalties if broken.
  • For example, in Croatia, walking shirtless or in swimming costumes in town centres can lead to an on-the-spot fine.
  • Attitudes towards LGBTQ+ travellers around the world can also be very different from those in the UK. You can find out more about local laws and customers and any safety and security advice for the country you are travelling to by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Stick together

  • Look out for your friends – step in if you think they’re doing something silly or dangerous and make sure you stick together, including when you head back to your hotel after a night out. 
  • Swap numbers with everyone in your group – make sure you all have each other’s phone numbers and set-up a group chat on a messenger service like WhatsApp.
  • This will make it easier to get in touch if one of you gets separated.
  • Download ‘Find My Friend’ app to your phone – this will allow you to share your location with the rest of the group so you can easily find one another if you get lost.
  • Use offline map apps on your phone – Google Maps, Maps.Me and Citymapper allow you to navigate outside of your hotel without needing to rely on your data/Wi-Fi.
  • You can also save locations (such as your hotel) in case you get lost.
  • Don’t feel pressurised – just because your friends tell you to do something doesn’t mean you have to. If you’re in a large group, stick with the people you feel most comfortable with.

Look after your belongings

  • Have an emergency stash of cash – have some extra cash on you, away from all of your other money, that way if your money gets lost or stolen, you’ll have some more as a back-up.
  • When out and about, avoid carrying too much money or wearing excess jewellery and keep valuables, wallets, bags etc.
  • close to you. If you have a room safety deposit box, use it – don’t carry all of your money on you, just take out what you need each day and store the rest in your safe, along with any other valuables.
  • Take another form of ID – if you have another form of ID, like a driving licence or student ID card, it is worth taking it with you to use as proof of age.
  • That way you can leave your passport in your room in the safe. Although some countries require you to carry your passport at all times. 
  • Contact reception or the night porter if you lose your room key – or stay in a friend’s room. Never try and access your room via your balcony.
  • It can also be worth asking for a spare key and keep it on you somewhere safe, away from the other key. 
  • Your travel company is a great source of advice and help – if you’re looking to do an activity, they’ll either be able to sort it out for you or advise on the most reputable companies to book with. Remember to save their number in your phone just in case there is any sort of problem or an emergency.

Enjoy yourself responsibly

  • Alcoholic drink measures are often larger abroad – so be aware that what you’re drinking is likely to be much stronger than what you’re used to in the UK.
  • As you would do when you are out back at home, always keep an eye on your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know.
  • Booze and balconies don’t mix – so use your balcony sensibly, especially if you have been drinking. Never lean over, sit, or climb on the balcony wall or railings, and don’t climb from one balcony to another.
  • Don’t swim if you have been drinking – alcohol can impair your senses, alter your sense of distance, and make you feel disorientated in the water.
  • At any time of day, only swim where it is permitted, be aware of warnings about currents or riptides in open water.
  • Avoid using recreational drugs – they are likely to be illegal in your holiday destination.
  • The best selfie is a safe one – people have been seriously injured and even died when taking selfies on holiday.
  • Make sure you are aware of your surroundings when taking photos. 
  • Be wary of people trying to sell or offer you laughing gas (nitrous oxide) – legal highs such as laughing gas are widely available in some holiday resorts, they can be very dangerous to inhale and can lead to serious health issues.
  • These risks are likely to increase further if laughing gas is mixed with alcohol. 
  • Be aware of dodgy job offers – you might enjoy your holiday that much that you want to stay on and work out there, but if the job isn’t official and you don’t have the right documentation (for example, a working visa or job contract), you could find yourself working illegally and at risk of exploitation.

Activity safety

  • Ask your instructor for a safety briefing – this is important before taking part in any adventure activities and let your instructor know if there is anything you don’t feel comfortable with.
  • Do not hire a moped or quad bike – they leave riders very vulnerable on the road and at risk of a serious injury.
  • There are always safer alternatives such as hiring a car, taking a taxi or using public transport. 
  • Only ride quad bikes as part of an organised trip – never use one on main roads. If you do decide to take a quad bike trip, make sure you are booking with a reputable company and always wear a helmet and the correct safety clothing.
  • Check your travel insurance – make sure it covers you for all the activities you want to do.

Swim Safe

Whether you’re a complete beginner or confident swimmer, our top tips designed to help keep everyone safe in the water. 

Swimming is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities to do while on holiday, whether that’s going for a dip in the hotel pool, in the sea, or in a local river or lake.

But swimming is not without risks and each year there are incidents where people get into difficulty in the water. So, we have put together some handy tips and advice to help you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable time.

Get Ready for the Water

  • Before your holiday, why not test and refresh your swimming ability at your local pool, particularly if it’s been a while since you last went swimming.
  • If you’re going on holiday with children, consider if they would benefit from (refresher) swimming lessons to improve their ability.
  • Be aware that most overseas destinations are not required to employ lifeguards, so take responsibility for your safety and those in your care by following the rules at the pool and look out for warning flags and signs at the beach. 
  • Check how to contact the local emergency services in the country you are visiting, so if you see someone in difficulty you know how to raise the alarm.
  • Don’t swim at night, after a meal, under the influence of alcohol or if you have an upset stomach.

At the Pool

  • Remember, most holiday accommodations don’t employ lifeguards. 
  • You should always supervise your children, even if a lifeguard is present.
  • Always follow pool rules and pool safety signs. 
  • Check the pool layout to know where the deep and shallow ends are.
  • Only dive or jump in where you’re allowed to do so.
  • Follow any advice or instructions when participating in water related activities such as pool games, water slides, flumes and water sports.

At the Beach or in Open Water

  • Always check for warning flags and follow safety signage. 
  • Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
  • Be mindful of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life, and only dive where it is permitted to do so.
  • Even if you regularly swim in a pool, don’t forget that open water swimming can be much more challenging. 
  • Get advice from your holiday provider about the best local beaches to go to and if there’s anything that you need to be aware of, especially dangerous currents or rip tides.

Extra Advice for Families

  • If you’re holidaying with children, make sure you talk to them about water safety at the start of the holiday, so they’re aware of the potential dangers. 
  • Accidents can happen at any time on holiday, but they’re more likely to happen on the first or last day, so be extra vigilant. 
  • Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended, even if a lifeguard is present. 
  • Armbands can be a good training swimming aid for children but are not a substitute for supervision.
  • A great way to keep a watchful eye is to get in the water with them – and it’s good fun!

Follow the RLSS UK’s Water Safety Code

Check how to contact the local emergency services in the country you are visiting, so if you see someone in difficult you know how to raise the alarm.  The Royal Life Saving Society UK has a Water Safety Code that provides simple and easy to remember information to help people stay safe while having fun in, on or around water. Visit www.rlss.org.uk/safety-on-holiday for more information.

The 10 best Nile cruises for 2024

New archeological discoveries and museum openings make this a great time to visit the magical river

Egypt’s is one of the greatest stories ever told, and untold. It’s more than a century since British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb; yet Egypt’s narrative continues to unfold. 

The latest find was in January this year at Saqqara, near Cairo, where archaeologists uncovered a rock tomb believed to be 4,500 years old. Located on the Nile’s west bank, Saqqara’s necropolis served as a royal burial ground for the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Last year embalming workshops were found here and archaeologists have also unearthed a granite sarcophagus from the reign of King Ramses II (1279 to 1213 BC) along with hundreds of mummies encased in painted sarcophagi. Among the cache of goods being taken to the afterlife was an intact papyrus scroll.

There will be plenty of grave possessions on display at the Grand Egyptian Museum when it finally opens in its new location at Giza. Alongside 10,000 ancient artefacts the museum will hold King Tut’s entire tomb trove of 5,000 objects. The latest estimation for the opening is mid-2024 – with any luck some cruise passengers will be among the first to visit the museum complex this winter. 

Cairo’s pyramids and museum treasures are a prelude for the main event, however. Strung along the Nile are temples, royal tombs, colossal statues, mausoleums, island monuments and ancient inscripted chambers that stop time. Against this historical backdrop, buffalo irrigate river-fed crop fields, children paddle from littoral beaches and single-sailed feluccas and calls to prayer from nearby muezzin catch the breeze. 

There’s nowhere else quite like it. Here are some of the best ways to cruise the Nile this year. For further inspiration and advice read our complete guide to Nile cruises.

Best for: Old-school romance

Before the arrival of steam-powered boats, visitors would cruise the Nile on small, two-masted dahabiya, led by a “houseboat crew”. La Flaneuse du Nil recreates that slow-travel tradition with style – and hot water and flushing loos to boot. On its journey between Luxor and Aswan, the flat-bottomed boat visits small villages and islands and drops anchor in peaceful seclusion. 

The seven cabins feature louvred shutters, wood panelling and tasteful antiques and there is a beautiful balcony suite at the stern. The recent addition of 48 solar panels means guests will be able to enjoy sailing without the thrum of a generator – just like the old days.

Best for: The long cruise

For those keen to linger on the Nile, or for the returning visitor keen to fill in the gap between the pyramids and ancient Thebes, this 10-night sailing from Cairo to Luxor ticks both boxes. The real beauty of this cruise, however, is stepping ashore to world-class sites that are largely unvisited. Highlights include the tombs, catacombs and temple of Tuna el-Gebel; the sarcophagus of Akhenaten in Tel el-Amarna and the temples of Abydos, Denderah and el-Kab. The five-star Movenpick Darakum has 52 cabins spread over three decks, a small gym and a large sun deck with a plunge pool.

Best for: A family cruise

There’s plenty of opportunity for cultural exchange on this holiday with Intrepid, and the variety and pace of the itinerary is ideal for those travelling with older children. After a couple of days in Cairo you’ll fly to Aswan and sail to Luxor via Edfu and the Esna lock. There is dinner with a Nubian family, a visit to the floating Temple of Philae and a lazy sunset sail by felucca. Back in Cairo there is time for coffee at El Fishawy, the city’s oldest coffee shop, and dinner “at home” with a Cairene family.

Best for: A cruise and beach combo

For winter-sun seekers the lure of Red Sea beaches can be as tempting as Egypt’s tombs and treasures. So why not dip a toe into both? Marsa Alam’s reefs are a favourite with scuba divers and the snorkelling is equally rewarding. Clouds of reef fish are abundant and you might see turtles, tuna, mackerel, dolphins, sharks and even the odd manatee. Discover Egypt combines a week here with a leisurely Nile cruise on the MS Tulip and there is an optional excursion from Aswan to Abu Simbel to see the four colossal statues of Ramses II .

Best for: Accessibility on the Nile

All hotel, cruise, transport and dining logistics are taken care of on this accessible holiday with Responsible Travel. For added peace of mind, guest-relations assistance is available throughout and transfers in an airconditioned vehicle are assisted. Following a three-night stay in Cairo, with visits to the pyramids, Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, passengers will board a five-star accessible ship in Luxor, for a sail to Aswan. 

The itinerary includes visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile god) at Kom Ombo. At Aswan there is a sail around Elephantine Island by motorboat and a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk.

Best for: A side trip to Alex

Part land tour; part cruise, this trip includes a visit to the seaside city of Alexandria, founded in 331BC by Alexander the Great and once Cleopatra’s power base. Remnants of the royal palace and its sunken treasures lie in the city’s seafront bay. The must-see modern library, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, was built to commemorate what was the ancient world’s single greatest archive of literature. Its design features an inclined cylinder, part of which goes underground. The trip includes four nights in Cairo before flying to Luxor to join the ship, which sails south to Aswan.

Best for: Exclusive access

By next year Viking will have six ships on the Nile. The newest on the river is the 41-cabin Viking Osiris, named by Lord Carnarvon, of Highclere Castle. The current earl’s great-grandfather was the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, benefactor and co-explorer of Howard Carter and this trip offers a pre- or post-cruise tour of the Earl’s private collection of photographs detailing the discovery and excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

A 12-night Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary include visits to the pyramids and spice market in Cairo and the necropolis at Sakkara. Osiris then spends eight days on the Nile with excursions to the Queen Nefertari’s and Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings and visits to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena and the High Dam in Aswan.

Best for: Going your own way

If you prefer a bit more flexibility and are comfortable booking flights and hotels independently, the MS Esplanade sails on three-, four- and seven-night cruises between Luxor and Aswan, and charges a per-night cabin rate. The 73-cabin ship has a small spa, a stylish top deck with poolside cabanas and plush cabins with wide windows. All sailings take in the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor temples, Edfu, Kom Ombo, the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple and a sunset felucca cruise.  

Tack on a night or two in Cairo at the 13-room Villa Belle Epoque. Located in the tree-lined suburb of Maadi, the beautifully restored 1920s villa has a ground-floor conservatory overlooking a garden and poolside dining area, shaded by fig, guava mango and lemon trees.

Best for: Suite dreams

For dreamy, in-cabin views of the Nile, book one of the four forward-facing suites on board AmaDahlia. With its gym, massage rooms, heated pool, 16 suites and marble-clad bathrooms, the 72-passenger ship doesn’t skimp on luxury. Soak up more river views from the pool where there is alfresco dining and Chef’s Table dinners. 

Itinerary standouts include exclusive access to the Queen of Nefatari’s tomb at the Valley of the Kings and a private visit to the lavish Abdeen Palace in Cairo. The former royal palace contains five museums, a pharmacy of rare medicines, a former royal printing house and a collection of exquisite paintings.

Best for: A two-country trip

Uniworld’s stylish river ship, SS Sphinx, features locally sourced fabrics, decorative hand-carved detail and Egyptian artwork. The wine list champions Egyptian wines and menu items include fatteh, mulukhiya (made from jute leaves) and hawawshi (pitta filled with ground beef). After a day’s touring guests can relax in chic, tented cabanas on the pool deck. Along with the usual showstoppers, the itinerary includes afternoon tea at Aswan’s fabled Old Cataract Hotel and an excursion to see birds including herons, kingfishers and the Nile Valley sunbird. Tack on a land extension to Jordan and a donation will be made to the Jordanian women of the Iraq al-Amir Women’s Cooperative, via the TreadRight Foundation. 

10 MUST-VISIT UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

10 must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are 1157 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (January 2023) across 167 countries. Among these, 900 are cultural, 218 are natural and 39 are mixed properties. These are a huge number but worry not, if you are not able to shortlist what to visit among these, we are here to help.

Here, a look at 10 of UNESCO’s must-visit world heritage sites that you’d love to visit.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park, set in the heart of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979. The entire ecosystem includes the Maswa Game Reserve, Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves, Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and Loliondo Game Controlled Area.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Have you ever imagined or seen temples growing out of trees? Well if not, you have a valid reason to head to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This temple complex holds the Guinness World Records for being the largest religious structure in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple for Lord Vishnu during the 12th century. But later, it was transformed into a Buddhist temple and is often described as a Hindu-Buddhist temple.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Komodo National Park is famous for its population of Komodo dragons and salmon-shade beaches. Sounds gorgeous but dangerous, right? This treasure island was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon, which is the world’s largest lizard. In 1991 ,the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Petra, Jordan

Petra in Jordan still holds mysteries that are unsolved! This archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The place always leaves its visitors in awe with the striking red sandstone half-carved rock setting. The sheer vastness of the place will give you goosebumps.

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal in India needs no introduction! The white-marble Monument of Love is also the burial site of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument attracts people from all over the world in large numbers.

Bagan, Myanmar

The beauty of Bagan in Myanmar can be best experienced in a hot air balloon that takes visitors across temples rising out of the mist. This legendary site comprises over 2200 temples, all being remarkable in architecture and history.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park is a sight to behold! This is the country’s first nature reserve and is a gorgeous amalgam of natural beauty and wilderness. The place is noted for being home to grizzly bears and also has the world’s largest concentration of geysers (over 300)!

The Great Wall, China

One of the most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites, The Great Wall of China snakes almost 20117 km along the nation’s forested ridges! It is also among the world’s largest military structures built till date and the only man-made monument visible from space!

Machu Picchu

One of the must-visit UNESCO sites would be Machu Picchu in Peru. The iconic region in the Andes carries the legacy of the Inca civilisation. Also, there is not much info behind why Machu Picchu was built and mysteriously abandoned later. The Lost City of the Incas is definitely an unmissable spot.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia


A trip to Australia is considered incomplete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. This natural world heritage site is simply marvelous as it is home to the world’s largest collection of coral reefs. Besides, over 1500 species of fish and 240 species of birds can be found here.

Where is cool in June? Our top 10 destinations

From cool Scandinavia to hipster USA, these are the trips to take in June when you’re looking to avoid a heatwave

Soaring temperatures mean that some former fail-safe June holiday options are now just too hot to enjoy comfortably. These are the places that are that little bit cooler, complete with brilliant food scenes, adventurous explorations and even some beach trips to take in June that aren’t too hot.

1. Oslo

Average June temperature: 16°C

Norway’s capital may be full of locals sweltering in wood-fired saunas, but it’s a pretty cool choice in June, with highs of around 20°C and lows closer to 10°C. Most importantly, it’s a brilliant city break, hitting lots of cultural notes. In 2021, the Munch Museum opened – the world’s largest art gallery dedicated to a single artist. There’s also the Deichman library, one room of which will house the Future Library – a forest for which was planted in 2014 and will supply paper for an anthology of books to be printed in 2114 – with books by writers including Margaret Atwood and Elif Shafak. Visitors should also get stuck into the flavours of the wild coastline at the redbrick Mathallen food hall and at three-star Maemmo and Sentralen.

2. Madeira

Average June temperature: 20°C

This vibrant green island in the Atlantic is part of Portugal with a delightful average temperature that hovers around 20°C almost year round. There are unspoilt wild beaches perfect for windsurfing and kayaking, but also rainforest-covered mountain peaks and wildlife spotting opportunities everywhere including dolphins and whales in the water. The best way to explore the island is to hike the small irrigation channels or levadas. In the higher tropical zones, walkers will be able to spot avocados, mangos, guavas and passion fruit, while amazingly, in the cool valleys, blueberries grow. This is an island that hits many different notes.

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Average June temperature: 24°C

In June, Rio is less humid, with slightly cooler temperatures than its summertime, which runs from November through to March. Another bonus is that there’s almost no rain, and the beaches are much quieter than during the summer. But just because there aren’t the crowds, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still good for a party. Throughout June, Rio celebrates the nativity of Catholic saints – Saint Anthony (June 13th), Saint John the Baptist (24 June), and Saint Peter (29 June) in a string of festivals known as Festa Junina. Go dancing at the Fasano or head to Barzin in Ipanema for live music.

4. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Average June temperature: 20°C

While Slovenia has seen its temperatures rise in recent years, Lake Bled itself helps keep the enchanting region cool. It’s noticeably cooler than nearby Italy, plus it’s a lesser-known beauty with mountains, caves and gorges. Lake Bled, at the foot of the Julian Alps, is the country’s only natural island, the tiny tear-shaped Bled Island, which houses the 17th-century Church of the Assumption. July and August are particularly busy with tours, which is another reason to go in June when visitors can rent a traditional rowing boat or take the gondola over without the same crowds. Stay at Hotel Vila Bled overlooking the lake, the perfect spot from which to explore.

5. Prince Edward County, Canada

Average June temperature: 19°C

Not far from Toronto, this island on Lake Ontario is a summertime escape from the heat of the city. Sandbanks Provincial Park and dune system has miles of unbroken white sand that are never packed even during peak summer holidays. And there has been an influx of exciting hoteliers, chefs and shopkeepers making it one of the loveliest retreats in Canada. An old Wellington Iron Foundry, built in 1860, is now the Drake Devonshire, a design-savvy lakeside hotel – sibling to the Toronto original. There are also independent wineries, antiques barns and restaurants that were ahead of their time when it comes to sustainability. See Agrarian Bistro, founded by Neil Dowson and his passion for locally sourced ingredients.

6. San Sebastian, Spain

Average June temperature: 18°C

On the Atlantic coast, San Sebastian always has a breeze blowing through the town which keeps things from getting too heated in the summer months. And it’s the perfect beach town to explore if you’re not someone who can lie on the sand for hours on end. Days can be spent wandering the old town, hopping from one pintxos bar to the next – La Vina’s cheesecake is a must. In the evenings, visitors can either do more of the same or step things up a notch with a booking at one of the region’s Michelin-starred restaurants (we rate Akelarre and Arak). For those who do want a beach fix, Zurriola is always quieter than the bigger La Concha and a great spot from which to watch the local surf scene in action.

7. Ladakh, India

Average June temperature: 12°C

In the heart of the Himalayas and 3,000m above sea level, this remote region of high-altitude desert offers a way to visit India in June without sweltering temperatures. A holiday in Ladakh tends to be an action-packed itinerary of whitewater rafting down the Zanskar river, cycling down from the world’s highest road, as well as visits to Buddhist monasteries and palaces. And for only the most lucky of visitors to Ladakh there might be a sighting of a rare slow leopard. Plus, the light-free skies make for some incredible star gazing.

8. Iceland

Average June temperature: 10°C

While often seen as a winter destination, June in Iceland is lovely and the days are long. In the northern Troll Peninsula, the spectacular Deplar Farm from Eleven Experiences offers cold-water surfing, mountain biking, fishing and horseback riding, as well as whale-watching excursions. And further south, it’s as good a time as any to tuck into some of the country’s best restaurants. At Dill, where Gunnar Karl Gislason won the island’s first Michelin star, and at OX where chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson dishes up a whopping 12-course menu. The Reykjavík Edition is the place to stay in the city.

9. The Scottish Highlands

Average June temperature: 12°C

While June is one of the warmest months in Scotland, things are rarely balmy in the Highlands, making it a great option for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Days are also long, and there’s a beautiful extended twilight in June. Plus, there’s a fresh list of places to stay that are a long way from the tartan-clad Scottish hotel people might expect. First-up Tom Lewis’s mini Mhor empire. Make sure you stop off for coffee and cake or a full-on feast at Mhor 84, a motel and all-day restaurant just off the A84, or stay a few nights at Monachyle Mhor with its excellent lakeside restaurant and big-windowed cabins in the garden. In the Cairngorms there’s Killiehuntly Farmhouse as well, of course, as Artfarm’s brilliant Fife Arms.

10. Portland, Oregon

Average June temperature: 23°C

North America’s hipster city floats around the mid-twenties in June which means things stay warm without getting too sweaty. Portlanders drank craft beer, wore checked shirts and grew their own vegetables decades before the rest of us. And so there’s incredible food as well as a vintage shopping scene to explore in the hipster city. Stay at the Ace, or downtown at The Heathman and then spend your days eating brunch at the wildly popular Tasty n Sons, Japanese at Bamboo Sushi or the best poached chicken and rice from Nong’s Khao Man Gai food truck. And when it comes to vintage edits try Yo Vintage!, Lulu’s Vintage and Wanderlust.

Transforming Tourism for Climate Action

CLIMATE ACTION

The Glasgow Declaration was officially launched at COP26 UN Climate Change Conference. It proposes a coordinated plan for tourism to support the global commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050 and requests signatories to make tangible commitments around planning, measuring and reporting.

Find out about The Glasgow Declaration

The tourism sector is highly vulnerable to climate change and at the same time contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), which cause global warming.

Accelerating climate action in tourism is therefore of utmost importance for the resilience of the sector.

Climate action is understood as the efforts to measure and reduce GHG emissions and strengthen adaptive capacity to climate induced impacts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a 7% reduction of GHG emissions globally in 20202, providing a tangible reference to the magnitude of the effort still ahead in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, which will require around 7% reduction of emissions on an annual basis throughout the next decade.

According to UNWTO/ITF latest research, released in December 2019 at UNFCCC COP25, CO2 emissions from tourism are forecasted to increase by 25% by 2030 from 2016 levels, against the current ambition scenario.

Therefore, the need to scale up climate action in tourism remains urgent as emissions could rapidly rebound once operations restart and, ultimately, the cost of inaction with regards to climate will be in the long run larger than the cost of any other crisis.

UNWTO is committed to accelerate progress towards low carbon tourism development and the contribution of the sector to international climate goals, in line with the recommendations of the One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector from COVID-19 to:

  • Strengthen the measurement and disclosure of CO2 emissions in tourism
  • Accelerate the decarbonization of tourism operations
  • Engage the tourism sector in carbon removal

In order to support the tourism stakeholders to advance on measuring their GHG emissions, in March 2023, UNWTO published the report on CLIMATE ACTION IN TOURISM SECTOR: AN OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGIES AND TOOLS TO MEASURE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.

The report was developed with support from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany (BMU) and released in collaboration with UN Climate Change (UNFCCC).  Read the full report here.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

The Glasgow Declaration: A Commitment to a Decade of Climate Action in Tourism

The Glasgow Declaration aims to act as a catalyst for increased urgency about the need to accelerate climate action in tourism and to secure strong actions and commitment.

The signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism are committing to act now and accelerate climate action to cut global tourism emissions by at least a half over the next decade and reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050. Their actions are aligned with 5 pathways defined in the Declaration: measure, decarbonize, regenerate, collaborate, finance.

The Declaration unites those leading tourism’s transformation around a common set of pathways for climate action, by:

  • defining a clear and consistent sector-wide message and approach to climate action in the coming decade, aligned with the wider scientific framework and urgency to act now. 
  • outlining the pathways and specific actions that will accelerate tourism’s ability to transform tourism and achieve net zero as soon as possible. 
  • encouraging signatories across all sectors of tourism to demonstrate their public support for scaling up the sector’s response to the climate emergency.

Learn how to become a signatory.
Learn more about the launch of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism: Side-event at the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference
Learn more about the Glasgow Declaration from two information sessions held on 21 September 2021.
Learn more about the Glasgow Declaration.
Frequently Asked Questions

The Road to Climate Neutrality: Experiences, Challenges and Support” for the Caribbean tourism sector

In July 2021, the UNFCCC secretariat, through its Climate Neutral Now initiative and in collaboration with UNWTO, RCC Saint George’s, and other partners, held this webinar for the Caribbean tourism sector.

During the session, the discussions touched upon policies and actions in place and called for those still needed to accelerate the transition of the tourism sector towards climate neutrality.

Leading speakers from companies, organizations, and governments in the region shared their experiences in two round tables. In addition, Climate Neutral Now specialists presented the enhanced version of their initiative, and the criteria for participation.

Learn more about the webinar “How to Get Started on the Road to Climate Neutrality and Net Zero? Practical Actions and Examples.“

Transport-related CO2 emissions from the tourism sector – Modelling results

The report released in December 2019 provides insights into the evolution of tourism demand across the different global regions from 2016 to 2030. It presents the expected transport-related CO2 emissions of the tourism sector against the current (2019) ambition scenario for the decarbonization of transport concluding that in 2016 transport-related emissions from tourism contributed to 5% of all man-made emissions and were set to increase to 5.3 % by 2030 against a current ambition scenario.

Read more about the report Transport-related CO2 emissions from the tourism sector

Transforming tourism for climate action – Side event at COP25

Transforming tourism for climate action requires embracing a low carbon pathway with awareness and optimization as key elements.

Awareness: through measurement and disclosure of the emissions related to tourism activities and the setting of evidence-based targets. Optimization: through instruments and strategies to scale-up mitigation and adaptation in the tourism sector with all stakeholders having to play a role.

In the side-event, policy makers discussed their strategic approaches to transform the tourism sector.

CLIMATE ACTION

The Glasgow Declaration was officially launched at COP26 UN Climate Change Conference. It proposes a coordinated plan for tourism to support the global commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050 and requests signatories to make tangible commitments around planning, measuring and reporting.

Find out about the Glasgow Declaration

The tourism sector is highly vulnerable to climate change and at the same time contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), which cause global warming.

Accelerating climate action in tourism is therefore of utmost importance for the resilience of the sector.

Climate action is understood as the efforts to measure and reduce GHG emissions and strengthen adaptive capacity to climate induced impacts.

There is a growing consensus among tourism stakeholders as to how the future resilience of tourism will depend on the sector’s ability to embrace a low carbon pathway and cut emissions by 50% by 2030

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a 7% reduction of GHG emissions globally in 20202, providing a tangible reference to the magnitude of the effort still ahead in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, which will require around 7% reduction of emissions on an annual basis throughout the next decade.

According to UNWTO/ITF latest research, released in December 2019 at UNFCCC COP25, CO2 emissions from tourism are forecasted to increase by 25% by 2030 from 2016 levels, against the current ambition scenario.

Therefore, the need to scale up climate action in tourism remains urgent as emissions could rapidly rebound once operations restart and, ultimately, the cost of inaction with regards to climate will be in the long run larger than the cost of any other crisis.

UNWTO is committed to accelerate progress towards low carbon tourism development and the contribution of the sector to international climate goals, in line with the recommendations of the One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector from COVID-19 to:

  • Strengthen the measurement and disclosure of CO2 emissions in tourism
  • Accelerate the decarbonization of tourism operations
  • Engage the tourism sector in carbon removal

In order to support the tourism stakeholders to advance on measuring their GHG emissions, in March 2023, UNWTO published the report on CLIMATE ACTION IN TOURISM SECTOR: AN OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGIES AND TOOLS TO MEASURE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.

The report was developed with support from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany (BMU) and released in collaboration with UN Climate Change (UNFCCC).  Read the full report here.

RELATED ACTIVITIES

The Glasgow Declaration: A Commitment to a Decade of Climate Action in Tourism

The Glasgow Declaration aims to act as a catalyst for increased urgency about the need to accelerate climate action in tourism and to secure strong actions and commitment.

The signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism are committing to act now and accelerate climate action to cut global tourism emissions by at least a half over the next decade and reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050.

Their actions are aligned with 5 pathways defined in the Declaration: measure, decarbonize, regenerate, collaborate, finance.

The Declaration unites those leading tourism’s transformation around a common set of pathways for climate action, by:

  • defining a clear and consistent sector-wide message and approach to climate action in the coming decade, aligned with the wider scientific framework and urgency to act now. 
  • outlining the pathways and specific actions that will accelerate tourism’s ability to transform tourism and achieve net zero as soon as possible. 
  • encouraging signatories across all sectors of tourism to demonstrate their public support for scaling up the sector’s response to the climate emergency.

Learn how to become a signatory.
Learn more about the launch of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism: Side-event at the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference
Learn more about the Glasgow Declaration from two information sessions held on 21 September 2021.
Learn more about the Glasgow Declaration.
Frequently Asked Questions

The Road to Climate Neutrality: Experiences, Challenges and Support” for the Caribbean tourism sector

In July 2021, the UNFCCC secretariat, through its Climate Neutral Now initiative and in collaboration with UNWTO, RCC Saint George’s, and other partners, held this webinar for the Caribbean tourism sector.

During the session, the discussions touched upon policies and actions in place and called for those still needed to accelerate the transition of the tourism sector towards climate neutrality.

Leading speakers from companies, organizations, and governments in the region shared their experiences in two round tables. In addition, Climate Neutral Now specialists presented the enhanced version of their initiative, and the criteria for participation.

Learn more about the webinar “How to Get Started on the Road to Climate Neutrality and Net Zero? Practical Actions and Examples.“

Transport-related CO2 emissions from the tourism sector – Modelling results

The report released in December 2019

provides insights into the evolution of tourism demand across the different global regions from 2016 to 2030. It presents the expected transport-related CO2 emissions of the tourism sector against the current (2019) ambition scenario for the decarbonization of transport concluding that in 2016 transport-related emissions from tourism contributed to 5% of all man-made emissions and were set to increase to 5.3 % by 2030 against a current ambition scenario.

Read more about the report Transport-related CO2 emissions from the tourism sector

Transforming tourism for climate action – Side event at COP25

Transforming tourism for climate action requires embracing a low carbon pathway with awareness and optimization as key elements.

Awareness: through measurement and disclosure of the emissions related to tourism activities and the setting of evidence-based targets.

Optimization: through instruments and strategies to scale-up mitigation and adaptation in the tourism sector with all stakeholders having to play a role.

In the side-event, policy makers discussed their strategic approaches to transform the tourism sector.

RELATED LINKS

Why Visit Egypt

Reasons You Should Visit Egypt at Least Once

Egypt may be known for ancient treasures and rich history, but there is more to this nation than you might expect. From surreal waters and golden sand beaches to remarkable architecture and natural therapies, Egypt is worthy of your bucket list. Here are some of the top reasons Egypt should be your next destination.

It’s one of the oldest ancient civilisations in the world

Ancient Egypt is one of the most interesting and oldest civilisations in the world. The Great Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving ancient wonder, along with ancient Egyptian statues and tombs, continue to seize the attention of top archaeologists and, of course, the wider world. To this day, remains of the ancient Egyptian civilization continue to be discovered.

It has the longest river in the world

Ranking as the longest river in the world, the Nile extends around 6,695km (4,160mi) and flows into the Mediterranean. You can visit a number of attractions along its length; the most prominent being Luxor and Aswan, both of which feature on Monarch Vacations .

You’ll follow the footsteps of Moses

Mount Sinai, also known as Jabal Al Tor or Mount Moses, is considered a holy site and is visited by pilgrims from religions including Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

It is where the prophet Moses received the divine commandments from God. It is located in the beautiful Sinai Peninsula, where many come to enjoy mountain climbing and hiking, too.

Paradise beneath the waves

The Red Sea is without question the best place to dive in Egypt. It offers diverse locations for an unforgettable experience including bright corals and colourful, distinctive fish. Egypt offers different diving opportunities including wrecks, walls, drifts, pinnacles, shore dives, day boats and liveaboards.

The beaches are gorgeous

The beaches of Egypt are a dream come true with the country home to internationally renowned beaches guaranteed to delight sunseekers.

From natural pools and crystal blue waters to steady beaches as well as surfing spots, they are not to be missed.

It’s a hotspot for water sports champions

Dahab, Safaga, Hurghada, Ras Sudr and El Gouna are all among the top kite and windsurfing destinations in Egypt.

Kite and windsurfing champions from around the world train in these locations due to the perfect weather and steady, safe waters. Not a champion? Egypt has some of the best kite and windsurfing schools as well.

The weather is great all year round

Egypt’s high season never ends. Summer is the perfect time to take a dip and go diving, while winter is the best time to visit the historic desert sites.

Safari desert trips are the best in Egypt

Much of the land here is desert, making it the perfect spot for a new kind of adventure. The best way to discover the region is via a safari trip. Camp to enjoy the full experience.

Horseback riding here is amazing

Wherever you’re going to enjoy your horseback riding experience in Egypt, rest assured you’ll have a view to go with it. Enjoy a ride across the dunes overlooking the lake in Fayoum, pass by the great pyramids or enjoy a romantic ride by the crystal blue beaches in Hurghada.

It’s a dream for architecture and art lovers

Cairo has some of the best Islamic architecture and art on earth. Visit mosques that have been standing for 1,200 years, such as the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan and more. These mosques are a perfect chance for architecture, art and history buffs to soak up some culture.

Egyptian cuisine is delicious

Egyptian food has been influenced by neighbouring countries in the Middle East, resulting in dishes full of flavour. Not only is it delicious, but the food in Egypt shapes the national culture. Egyptians turn to food in times of happiness, need and struggle. It’s the highlight of any occasion.

Egypt’s therapeutic waters and sands

Therapeutic tourism has long been popular in Egypt. The hot springs here are reputed to help cure respiratory diseases, kidney, bone and other skin problems. The mud in many areas is also said to cure skin issues. Sand-burying massages are also popular in Egypt and are said to treat physical injuries.

Egyptian people are a diverse bunch

In Egypt, people have different accents, distinctive food, unique traditions and even different fashions depending on which city they are from. Some cities even have different languages. Just wandering around Egypt is an experience in and of itself.

UNWTO

UNWTO STARTUP COMPETITION FOR MEGA EVENTS AND MICE TOURISM

The Competition

Tourism is one of the leading sectors in international trade, accounting in 2019 for 28% of the world’s services exports, representing 1,7 trillion dollars from international tourism, turning it into the fifth largest traded services sector (UNWTO). While many factors influence tourism growth, MICE tourism and mega events can contribute massively to the influx of tourists to a country and destination. With this call, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is sourcing the most sustainable, innovative, and disruptive entrepreneurs that offer SMART solutions for mega events and mice tourism that benefit visitors, organizers, and local communities in a sustainable way.

Mega events are large-scale events often of a longer duration that attract a significant number of attendees from different parts of the world, related to sporting, cultural, or business, and they usually have a global impact. They can benefit a host destination in terms of attracting visitors, drawing global attention to destinations, and as a consequence increasing international tourist arrivals. In principle, mega events contribute short-term benefits, yet when executed systematically and in a sustainable way, they can be a catalyst for longer-term tourism development in various aspects from economic to social. Although international tourist arrivals and receipts increase significantly for the host country of a mega event, we must take into account possible tourist displacement and the effect of this kind of tourism on the destination. They can present a range of challenges for the country, the host destination, and the stakeholders involved.

Tourism generated by Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, or MICE Tourism, is a specialized segment of the tourism industry that involves organizing and hosting short-term events and gatherings for business purposes. It is an important sector for many countries and cities, as it can attract significant numbers of high-spending visitors who contribute to the local economy. The tourism industry relies on effective marketing and promotion to attract attendees and exhibitors, as well as on skilled event organizers who can manage the logistics and coordination of large-scale events.

Both tourism activities generate a substantial amount of tourist arrivals but present different challenges.

Present your business and offer an innovative solution to the challenges of mega events and mice tourism!

Categories for MICE Tourism

  1. Digitalization and Disruptiveness for Sustainable Event Management: Mega events can have significant environmental impacts, such as increased energy and water consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Disruptive ideas that contribute to sustainable event management practices can help to minimize these impacts by reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting renewable energy. Digital technologies can be used to enhance the attendee experience and improve mega events, as well as serves as a tool for sustainability for both the infrastructure and the services.
    Key challenges waste reduction, conserving resources, renewable energy, enhancing attendee experience, and emerging technologies.
     
  2. Inclusiveness and Accessibility: Mega events can often be exclusive and not accessible to everyone. Inclusive event design aims to create events that are accessible and welcoming to all attendees, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. In addition, they have an impact on the surrounding communities, both positive and negative. Engaging with local communities can help to build trust and support for the event, as well as to identify and address any concerns or issues that arise. This can involve partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and local government.
    Key challenges: fan engagement, promotion of values, accessible infrastructure, involvement and partnership with local communities

Calendar

31 May 2023
Launch of the challenge

1 September 2023
Deadline for candidatures

September 2023
Announcement of the finalist startups (online)

September-October 2023
Pitch of the finalists

Audience & Requirements

The purpose of the competition is to capture the attention of many startups, entrepreneurs, and businesses from around the global tourism value chain to facilitate the selection of those most relevant to the challenge we are addressing.

The business must offer an innovative and disruptive solution for one of the challenges of Mega Events and MICE Tourism.

In addition, the competition will require the following requirements to participate: The projects must be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations and preferably also allow for an introduction or adaptation of digital and technological elements, and focused on one (or several) of the following areas:

  • Be innovative/disruptive in nature providing value-added solutions;
  • Harnessing the impact of new technologies;
  • Alternative and complementary business models to harness the economic impact of tourism in destination(s);
  • Smart and innovative solutions for sustainable experiences;
  • Entrepreneur/promoter team: Suitability of the promoter team, motivation, and interest;
  • Startup in Seed Stage or Early Stage (have a minimum viable product or an idea that is ready to be developed);
  • Emphasize the promotion of gender equity (and female empowerment), digitalization, environmental preservation, local communities, and youth leadership.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to join UNWTO Innovation Network
  • Opportunity to participate and pitch solution at a Global UNWTO event
  • Potential opportunity to provide a demo of the solution at an upcoming global UNWTO event
  • Visibility on UNWTO global platforms and social media networks
  • Scholarships for UNWTO Tourism Online Academy
  • Access to potential Mentorship programs with international leaders in the field of innovation
  • Networking opportunities with UNWTO and key partners
  • Access to potential seed funding, investments, and partnership opportunities with consultancies, accelerators, and incubators within the UNWTO Network

Climate Change

What Is Egypt Doing About Climate Change?

Despite only about 0.6% of the world’s yearly greenhouse gas emissions coming from Egypt, the country is Africa’s second-largest gas producer and supplies nearly a third of the continent’s gas, with production expected to further increase significantly in the upcoming years, both for domestic use and export to the EU.

Low-income populations, both in Egypt and around the world, are disproportionately affected by a number of climate change-related risks.

Due to the projected rise in heatwaves, dust storms, and other extreme weather events, Egypt is particularly exposed to the effects of global warming. We take a look at how Egypt is doing about climate change. 

Hosting COP27

Since 1995, COP summits have served as the principal international platform for climate negotiations. In the 2015 Paris Agreement, the goal of limiting the increase in the average global temperature to 1.5C (2.7F) over preindustrial levels was established. 

Ahead of COP27, which took place in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh, president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi said that his country would use its position as host to promote the interests of other developing nations, particularly those in Africa. Despite making up a small portion of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, developing countries are among the hardest hit due to climate change’s worsening effects on issues like food insecurity, water scarcity, and extreme heat.

Building on a diplomatic effort to seek African support in a dispute with Ethiopia over a project on the Blue Nile that Cairo views as a danger to its water supplies, Egypt is positioning itself as a champion of Africa and the Global South. But to reach its climate goals and reach the four-fold increase in the contribution of renewables to its power mix by 2030 by scaling up solar and wind projects as well as green hydrogen power, the country will need an additional US$246 billion in funding.

Given the low visibility of ecology and the limitations on civic action, some Egyptians express astonishment that the government would sponsor such a meeting. However, according to Rabab el-Mahdi, director of the Alternative Solutions Research project at the American University in Cairo, hosting COP27 “forced the government and consequently brought to society a broader discussion about climate change that has been missing from the overall national debate.”

What Is Egypt Doing About Climate Change?

Over the past two decades, Egypt has made significant strives in mitigating climate change, including doubling its wind energy production. In order to deal with the rising water stress, the country has also explored adaptation activities, such as building desalination plants and infrastructure for flood control. It was the first government in the Middle East and North Africa to issue green bonds, allocating $750 million towards sustainable water management and clean public transportation. Since accepting the role of COP27 host roughly a year ago, Egypt has unveiled a variety of climate-related initiatives, including plans to turn the popular tourist destination Sharm el-Sheikh into a “green city”.

However, independent climate watchdogs like the Climate Change Performance Index and the Climate Action Tracker criticise the nation’s overall climate strategy as being vague and unambitious. Natural gas and other fossil fuels, which made up about 90% of the country’s capacity for power generation in 2019, contribute to the issue. Cairo, which is among the lower-income cities that claim they should be able to use fossil fuels to expand their economies until they can afford to switch to sustainable energy, wants to enhance the nation’s production of oil and natural gas.

Egypt’s lack of enthusiasm for reducing emissions has also drawn some criticism. Cairo updated its nationally determined contribution (NDC) – a country’s voluntary strategy for cutting its own emissions – more than a year after the Paris Agreement deadline. In addition to being dependent on outside assistance, Egypt’s new NDC lacks a specific goal for attaining net-zero emissions, like many other nations. Furthermore, Cairo also places more of an emphasis on adaptation rather than emission reduction in its 2022 National Climate Change Strategy.

Fears Over Future COPs 

The oil and gas sectors receive two-thirds of all foreign investment in Egypt. Additionally, China is taking part in numerous large-scale infrastructure projects in the nation, while Russia is funding the El-Dabaa nuclear power station, whose construction will start later this year. Since some of the major emitters are also some of the nations Egypt maintains close ties with, the African country has been accused of doubling down on fossil fuels by stifling dissent. 

Another concern about the influence of fossil fuel producers on international climate talks is growing among climate experts and activists as the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest oil exporters in the world. The UAE will preside over the next round of COP28 UN climate talks that starts in late November next year. Oil and gas, which make up around 30% of the the country’s GDP, also account for about 13% of the nation’s exports. The building and transport sectors, among many others, are likewise financially dependent on fossil fuels. At least 636 pro-fossil fuel lobbyists attended the COP27 discussions in Egypt, and 70 of them had ties to oil and gas businesses in the UAE. 

What We Do

Tourism Development

Global tourism is now generally recognized as one of the largest industries in the world and one of the most significant sources of employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Tourism particularly benefits the economies of developing countries, where most of the sector’s tourism jobs and businesses are being created.

Monarch is committed to tourism development that creates a positive experience for local people, local businesses, and tourists themselves.

We implement comprehensive programs focused on improving the quality of life for local residents without compromising the future well being of the people or the planet.

Monarch has gained a strong reputation internationally as a leader in the field of sustainable tourism development. Since 2006, Monarch has initiated or completed 80 projects in more than 40 countries around the world.

Monarch’s development team is known industry-wide for helping to create tourism enterprises and destinations that are financially and socially sustainable, and good for the planet.

Our clients range from small, rural villages and community-based tourism enterprises, to national hotel chains and international tourism organizations.

We invite you to explore the following tourism development consulting services, where you can begin to find tools, read case studies and learn more about the cutting edge work that Monarch is doing to support global development through sustainable tourism.

Investment Promotion

The travel and tourism industry is critical to the global economy. This resilient industry is a leading generator of jobs and tends to outpace the growth of other major industries including manufacturing, financial services and retail.

In 2012, tourism contributed to 9% of global GDP ($6.6 trillion) and generated over 260 million jobs—1 out of 11 of jobs worldwide.

In the longer-term, Monarch believes that demand from and within emerging markets will continue to rise in significance. We assist these destinations with attracting investments in infrastructure to meet demand and achieve the clear growth potential that exists.

Monarch provides end-to-end investment promotion solutions, including prospectus development and production, investor recruiting, and sourcing debt and equity financing for a wide range of project types in the U.S., Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Monarch is also well versed in the trends shaping tourism-related investments. One of the most important trends—particularly in developing countries—is investment using a Triple Bottom Line approach, which seeks returns on investment that are financial, social, and environmental.

A related trend shaping the market is social investing (or socially responsible investing), where the primary focus is on using investments to affect social change.

In the past three years Monarch has successfully secured more than $8 million in debt and equity commitments for ecolodges within or on the borders of national parks, and Monarch principals have combined successfully promoted tourism-related investment totaling more than $350 million.

What to Expect

Monarch and its industry partners have developed an end-to-end solution for development of small-scale lodging facilities that will be economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and highly marketable. The core components include:

  • Market-driven Project and Site Selection – We will only pursue projects we believe have significant market potential. Assessments are based on extensive market research.
  • Tourism Branding and Tourism Marketing – graphic design services, social media, tour operator and press familiarization (FAM) trips
  • Conceptualization Support – From initial market research through financial feasibility analysis, Monarch will assist with the development of reformulated and enhanced business plans and prospectus documents to make investing opportunities as competitive as possible
  • High levels of Local Ownership – So that communities will have a significant stake in the outcome. We will seek to provide local communities and/or individuals with 20-30 percent of total project equity, based upon the value of the land provided (regardless of the source, i.e., could be provided through a government concession in a protected area), and sweat equity contributions.
  • Social Investments – Clear articulation of the triple bottom line to attract social impact investors.
  • Recruitment of Financing – Targeting investment promotion activities to create awareness and generate leads. Solimar will also plan and organize a familiarization tour for prospective investors to secure their commitment.

Business & Product Development

Tourism is a complex service-driven global industry that is constantly evolving, and the skills and knowledge required to operate a tourism business are pertinent to its success.

Monarch International has literally written the book on creating sustainable tourism enterprises and experiences through our proven methodology developed over our past 10 years of enterprise development experience.

Our process brings businesses from concept to profitable enterprises that contribute to both conservation and communities.

These tools have been primarily developed to target entrepreneurs with limited formal education and have been primarily used with poor communities in developing countries.

Tourism enterprises can have an incredible impact on their destination by creating jobs, contributing to GDP, bringing in new markets for goods and services, increasing an area’s visibility, all while protecting the local environment and preserving cultural heritage.

Though, all of these benefits do not occur automatically, but must be properly integrated into the sustainable functioning of tourism enterprises.

Monarch’s enterprise development approach has been used to develop and support more than 20 sustainable tourism enterprises—from Africa to Latin America—to maximize their triple bottom line of Profits-People-Planet.

What to Expect

  • Tourism Assessment Concept Development: Developing sustainable tourism enterprises begins with an assessment that analyzes both supply and demand for tourism products and services that lead to well thought out and researched concepts that include a foundation of product ideas, market understanding and local feasibility. Starting from the concept stage, Monarch helps businesses evaluate their possible contributions to local communities and the surrounding environment.
  • Business Planning: Monarch then turns the tourism assessment information and tourism product “concepts” into full-fledged business plans and tour packages. The business plans serve as a “road map” for moving forward with product development and take into account the conservation and development objectives and clearly articulates the resources needed to realize those goals. Monarch has assisted with or led the authoring of over 30 tourism business plans and has expertise in market analysis, competition analysis, strategic positioning and financial modeling for tourism SMEs.
  • Operations Planning: While having a business plan is important, having a clear operations plan and trained operations manager will greatly increase the potential for business success. Monarch has extensive experience running operations training programs that take managers through all of the facets of running a tourism business including staffing, logistics, inventory, cash handling, financial reporting, customer service, leadership and more.
  • Tour Planning and Guide Training: Local guides act as the “ambassadors” for their communities and destinations, and guided tours are a vital product that a tourism enterprise offers to enrich the visitor experience.
  • Though it sounds simple, creating an engaging and well-delivered guided tour takes tedious planning and practice, practice, practice! Monarch helps develop interpretive tours and trains interpretive guides that focus on communicating central messages which help tourists learn, feel motivated and empowered to contribute to a more sustainable world.
  • Sales and Marketing: Lack of an effective sales and marketing strategy will often lead an otherwise well planned and run business to failure. Many small tourism businesses lack the technological or financial capabilities to effectively market themselves to their target markets. Monarch helps equip small businesses with content, collaborative strategies and partnerships to increase their marketing reach and sales leads.

Circuit & Route Development

The flow of people in and around a destination presents an important opportunity to enhance tourism’s ability to generate significant economic impact, especially in rural and remote destinations.

Monarch develops tour itineraries, circuits, and routes as a means to help visitors understand, approach and appreciate a destination.

As active marketing tools, circuits and routes can be developed around a particular theme to attract visitors and increase their length of stay.

The strategic development of circuits and routes can also diversify the tourism products and experiences in a country.

This diversification of tourism assets can spread benefits to small businesses and rural communities while reducing pressure on the most frequently visited areas—such as those designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Monarch focuses the development of circuits and routes by bringing together a network of stakeholders—including the government, associations, local communities and the private sectors—to work together and cooperate effectively in order to market and conserve the destination.

Monarch has developed a number of tourism routes and circuits in countries around the world—including 11 artisan-themed tourism circuits throughout the maze-like streets of the Medinas in Fez and Marrakech, Morocco.

Monarch also facilitated the creation of “La Ruta Amistad”, a cultural route linking Costa Rica and Panama, and designed marketing materials to help visitors travel more sustainably.

What to Expect

  • Identification – Monarch will conduct a thorough assessment, evaluation and prioritization of the routes and circuits to be developed.
  • Local Engagement – We work with with key stakeholders through a participatory process to develop a shared vision and strategic guidelines for the development and marketing of the route.
  • Evaluation – We assess all of the opportunities and gaps pertaining to the route—including attractions, tourism infrastructure, services, environmental issues, and community engagement.
  • Development – Monarch will help develop through route through formally engaging all route participants and enabling organizations.
  • Marketing and Promotion – Developing and implementing a marketing strategy for the route that addresses the target markets, branding, competitive positioning and communications strategy.
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