2008 promises to be an exciting year for the Societe des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Etrangers, commonly and confusingly referred to here in Monaco as SBM. Confusingly, because there's another company based in the Principality called Single Buoy Moorings, also referred to as SBM. Perhaps this was one of the reasons for the recent branding exercise carried out by the company, resulting in their new name Monte-Carlo SBM.

According to a report from Maretwire, the Luxury Institute has just released its latest WealthSurvey. It seems that high net worth (HNWI) American consumers are just like the rest of us when it comes to customer service. Wealthy people don't like their personal data being shared with third parties, they want frontline staff to be empowered to sort out their problems regardless of company policies, and if they need to return a purchase, they want the experience to be fast, easy and convenient.

Local newspaper Monaco Matin reports today on key demographic statistics for the Principality in 2007.

Tomorrow sees the opening of the 3rd Monaco Spa Event. There are three days of conferences, workshops, exhibitions and most importantly, networking for those involved in the luxury spa and wellness industry. It's just what's needed after the excesses of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

There's just nine days left for Monaco's political parties to put together their candidates lists for the parliamentary elections. Monegasques will cast their vote on 3 February 2008 for the National Council, but the names of the 24 representatives must be submitted by 25 January in order to be eligible to stand. Once elected, they'll serve for 5 years, voting on the legislation and the budget for the Principality.

Local newspaper, Monaco Matin, reports today that several Monaco trade unions are hoping to turn casinos into no smoking areas. Since 1st January 2008, smoking has been banned in places of work in both France and Italy, the two countries surrounding the Principality.

The annual Hurun Report surveys the wealthiest Chinese to find out which premium and luxury brands are the most preferred. This year's overall winner is BMW, but awards were presented in several categories including jewelry, drinks, financial services and luxury travel destination, won by France. In comparison to rich Americans' favourite whiskey, the Chinese placed Macallan in 3rd place, after Royal Salute and Johnny Walker.

A survey conducted by the Luxury Institute reports that wealthy Americans think Grand Marnier is the most prestigious liqueur. The institute regularly surveys the richest 10% of Americans for their Luxury Brand Status Index. Besides the findings for liqueurs and cognacs, they've also discovered that the favourite whiskey of high net worth individuals in the USA is Macallan.

There's a report on caterersearch.com that Andrew Davis of luxury hotel group Von Essen is interested in buying a hotel in Monaco.

The Consulate General of Monaco in the UK now has a website where you'll find contact details, a profile of the Consul General, and background information on Monaco. Prince Albert II was in London in October to launch the new consular service, which aims to change the image of the Principality in the UK and attract young, entrepreneurial British millionaires.