When pleasure meets business. Ikigai!

As one of the Patrons of Monocle Magazine, I was invited for the opening of Monocle’s new outpost on Rue Bachaumont in Paris. Francesca, my thoughtful personal assistant chose a lovely boutique hotel only 10 minutes walking distance from the venue. It was a lovely evening where drinks flowed, as did conversation. There was so much to be said that it was a challenge to also enjoy the tasty eats that were prepared for us. Mingling with like-minded individuals from all over the world: architects, artists, designers, journalists, entrepreneurs, discussing their latest projects or current affairs in their neck of the woods (there was a gentleman from Kyiv who was bombarded – excuse the pun – with questions about what it must be like living under constant shell fire), draws great inspiration and admiration. Although this is not a tourism forum, I love being in a different circle which I find very refreshing and effervescent.

Purely by geographic coincidence, the Visit Malta Office was also within walking distance, so this presented the perfect opportunity to drop in and say “hello” to Claude Zammit Trevisan, Malta’s Director of Tourism in France. During our conversation, Claude mentioned that they were promoting the Maltese Islands at Beaugrenelle between the 7^th March and the 20^th April 2025 as part of the “Green in the City” initiative. This aroused my curiosity so the next day I venture out of my 5^th Arrondissement to head to the 15^th Arr. It was definitely well worth it as it was designed in a way that our islands were being portrayed elegantly and in tune with nature. There was a presentation of Nature Trust Malta, an NGO that 20Twenty supports, and one of its worthy initiatives to adopt an injured marine turtle. This is a wonderful idea which can be included in CSR programs for MICE groups. Tourism caring for our planet.

Our conversation then steered to an amazing initiative of the Royal Malta Yacht Club and Visit Malta in France, whereby the Commodore of the RMYC, Mark Napier, and former Commodore, David Cremona and Claude Zammit Trevisan, and the Cannes Yacht Club launched a new yacht race from Cannes to Valletta, in early October, which will also act as a feeder to the iconic Rolex Middle Sea Race. 20Twenty is in final discussions with the RMYC to be one of the official sponsors. More about this soon.