Fabienne Germond, Luxe Pack shows director
Eager to support their exhibitors and visitors in their decarbonization efforts, the organizers of Luxe Pack Monaco are taking into consideration the changes in transportation habits and have decided to charter a special train from Paris to Monaco.
Actually, the train will leave Paris Gare de Lyon on Monday, October 2 in the morning for a direct journey of about 6 and a half hours to Monaco station. On board, travelers will enjoy an eco-responsible breakfast, lunch and entertainment. The one way ticket will be priced at 60 euros.
“We have frequent talks with the luxury houses that make up the bulk of our visitors and we have noticed that train transportation is chosen more and more frequently, for both practical or ecological reasons. We were keen to actively support them in their CSR approach and this special train is a first step,” said Fabienne Germond, Director of the Luxe Pack shows.
Reduced carbon footprint
This initiative aims primarily to offer delegates a low-carbon solution. The carbon footprint of a train journey is 26 times lower than an equivalent journey by plane, according to the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) 2023 figures.
Train is also a cost-effective solution and it offers increased networking opportunities. "For sure, the journey is longer than by plane since there is no high-speed line all the way from Paris to Nice, but train provides the possibility to work on board or to talk to peers according, depending on one’s preferences," underlined Fabienne Germond.
Indeed, the organizers want the show to start as soon as the train leaves Paris station. Beyond the at-seat meal service, travelers will have access to massage services or to the opportunity to taste local food products. Shuttles will be waiting for them at Monaco station to transport them to the Grimaldi Forum, the event’s venue, in a few minutes, for a seamless journey.
The organizers explain that they were able to offer this service at a particularly affordable price thanks to the support of the Monaco’s Government and the Mission for Energy Transition of the Principality of Monaco.
A first test
The organizers of Luxe Pack Monaco said that, if successful, this first test is intended to be repeated and even amplified next year.
“We are not used to deciding for our visitors on their departure and arrival dates during the three days of the show. Their arrival date fluctuates according to their origin, their agenda, their means of transport… We therefore had to agree on a date and a place of departure. This year, we are offering this train from Paris as a one-way trip, but if the test proves successful, we would obviously like to offer a round trip,” continued Fabienne Germond.
Eventually, other routes could even be opened, if the number of potential travelers is sufficient.
In any case, this initiative is only a first step in the process of reducing the show’s carbon emissions.
“We are currently conducting a detailed Carbon Assessment which will allow us to further improve the management of our resources and our participation proposal in the years to come. In the same way that the success of the show depends on a collective of exhibitors and visitors, the ecological transition of the event will not happen without them,” concluded Fabienne Germond.
