After a disappointing start to the year (see our story), Monaco's tourist industry is cautiously optimistic for summer.

The Principality is still an attractive tourist destination and the average stay this year has increased from 5 to 7 days. However many visitors are booking online at the last minute, making it difficult for hoteliers to plan ahead. SBM hotels anticipate a decline in sales compared to last year but an increase of 5% is expected for entertainment due to this year's dinner shows in the Salle des Etoiles.

Monaco has signed another tax agreement, this time with The Republic of San Marino, allowing exchange of tax information.

On July 16, the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco signed an agreement with Johnson Controls.

They've agreed to investigate ways of working together to develop solutions for saving energy and reversing climate change. The focus for the joint venture is to raise awareness and promote action in Europe and the Mediterranean. Both parties hope to influence governments and businesses, as well as the general public.

Following Monaco's ban on the sale of bluefin tuna (see our story), Prince Albert has stepped up the campaign to save the fish.

Monaco's solar powered bateau bus continues to be a great success.

Passenger figures at the end of 2009 are expected to be 25% higher than the 120000 that traveled last year. Although it attracts a fair number of tourists disembarking from the cruise ships, it's also popular with locals.

No doubt encouraged by the boat's success, owner Pierre Brezzo will be experimenting with a hybrid boat running between Menton and Monaco in 2010.

Jean-Charles Gardetto has been elected as a new Vice President to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

At the beginning of July, a delegation of the National Council (Monaco's parliament) was invited to the French Senate by Christophe-Andre Frassa, Senator for French citizens living abroad. It was the first meeting of the France-Monaco inter-parliamentary group.

Last Wednesday the Principality signed its first agreement to exchange tax information with another state.

The National Council's think tank for the future of Monaco met for its 4th working session at the end of June.

The end of June saw several demonstrations organized by the Union des Syndicats de Monaco (USM).