Virtual Economy Conference

Technopreneur and winner of the Monte-Carlo Woman of the Year Award (2023), Manila di Giovanni, paves the way toward Sustainable tourism and Virtual Economy with a first of its kind conference, uniting global leaders in the heart of the Principality of Monaco.

As the world continues to grapple with the environmental and economic challenges of traditional tourism, the digital age offers innovative solutions to reshape the way we think about travel and sustainability.

Monaco’s very first Virtual Economy Conference – to be held in June 2025, – unites leading public institutions, forward-thinking corporations, and visionary individuals in creating transformative action plans that shape thriving, resilient virtual economies, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for innovation, inclusion, and global prosperity.

Envisioned by Manila di Giovanni, a local resident who is an accomplished technopreneur and the leading voice of the Metaverse revolution in the Principality of Monaco.

“At the Virtual Economy Conference, we will explore the intersection of Sustainable Tourism and the Virtual Economy, highlighting how digital platforms, immersive experiences, and the metaverse can contribute to more sustainable and eco-conscious travel practices,” – says Manila.

By bringing together high level governmental people, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, the Virtual Economy Conference aims to catalyze the growth of sustainable tourism within the context of an increasingly digital world.

“In June, we will explore how technology can transform traditional tourism models into more responsible, environmentally-friendly alternatives, offering new opportunities for businesses and travelers alike.”

Manila, you were born in Genova, Italy and you are a long-term Monaco resident now. What motivated you to come to Monaco?

“Actually, I always wanted to go to Milan, Italy, and not to Monaco,” – laughs Manila. – “However, my neighbour gave me a piece of great advice; she said that the biggest companies are not looking for new human resources from the best universities. They are looking for people with experiences, who are independent and linked to an international background. This made me think a lot. 

So at the age of 17, I decided to study at the International University of Monaco. Also, I knew that Milan was less international than Monaco was. I knew that once I would have established a startup business, I would have wanted to work with multiple nationalities from all around the world.”

During her studies at the International University of Monaco, Manila discovered the latest technologies in China as an exchange student.

“I went to my semester abroad in Shanghai in China in 2019, and I interned there for an artificial intelligence startup. It was an amazing learning experience since the managers always brought me to different conferences and meetings, allowing me to learn and experience things in real-life practice. 

I got the opportunity to meet different business and technology leaders throughout various industries such as Artificial Intelligence, biotech, Virtual Reality, and many others that focused on 3D modelling technologies. I learned a lot from them, accumulating knowledge which I then brought back to Monaco.”

In 2021, Manila launched her authorized Monaco company, called DWorld (stands for the sound similarity of saying “The World”), to create the world’s first-ever Virtual Economy that acts as a bridge between the real world and the virtual one.

“The Metaverse is not just a digital space; it’s a bridge between what is purely virtual and reality. It allows us to transcend physical boundaries, create limitless experiences, and reshape how we connect, learn, and grow. In the Metaverse, cities become immersive stories, businesses become borderless, and opportunities become endless. Hence, providing an added value for real world cities and countries by increasing long-term their GDP and level of tourism sustainably,” – explains Manila.

DWorld’s first product was a multiplayer VR platform that enabled visits to Monaco Ville from any place in the world. Having collaborated with the Principality’s smart city department, Manila was chosen to showcase DWorld at Monaco’s Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020.

By 2024, DWorld digitalised the complete landscape of the Principality of Monaco, including iconic landmarks, such as the Casino Square, Hotel de Paris, Hermitage, One Monte-Carlo, the Condamine market, Larvotto or the recently developed Marreterra district.

Fast forward to 2025, Manila created virtual twins for numerous countries and cities and invited their respected representatives to share their knowledge and experiences during the first Virtual Economy Conference at the Principality of Monaco.

“Since I was a teenager, I was always fascinated by virtual reality technologies as I was also quite influenced by Japanese culture. I love the Anime series where the characters often travel to different virtual worlds. Growing up on Anime series, I was always thinking about how to integrate the real world with a virtual one to create a real bridge between the two and an added value to society.”

During the conference one can discover how immersive technologies are enabling people to explore destinations around the world without leaving their homes, reducing the carbon footprint of travel while still offering rich cultural and experiential encounters.

The role of Digital Twins in Sustainable Destinations is also important. Digital twins of cities, landscapes, and heritage sites are helping preserve the environment by offering virtual tourism experiences that protect real-world ecosystems.

Creating a Sustainable Travel Economy in the metaverse offers a unique opportunity to foster sustainable tourism by enabling virtual tourism, virtual commerce, virtual conferences, and experiences that can not only support local enterprises, but also promote awareness of environmental issues.

“We are trying to be a step ahead by connecting the immersive VR experience, AI and blockchain technology together to create the smarter and greener futuristic version of our cities without developing something completely fictional and irrelevant to them. I think this is our added value.”

The Virtual Economy Conference is also aimed to be an eye opener reference on how cities can combine Immersive Technologies, Blockchain and Carbon Offsetting. 

During the panel discussions the audience can explore how such technologies are being used to support and protect our cities, ensuring transparency and greater accountability for eco-conscious travelers and businesses.

“The conference that aims to interconnect governments, business leaders, and innovators, establishing a shared vision and actionable strategies for advancing Virtual Economies on a global scale,” – concludes Manila.

Since the launch of DWorld, Manila di Giovanni has been nominated for the “Forbes 30 under 30” list, won the Top Young Italian Entrepreneur Prize by the Association of Italian Entrepreneurs of Monaco, received the Rising Star award at the Meta Entertainment World, and was runner-up at the JCI Concours de Création d’entreprise de Monaco. 

Additionally, she received the ANGI Award given by the United Nations for Industrial Development, sponsored by the European Parliament and European Commission, AIDDA Award (Associazione Imprenditrici e Donne Dirigenti d’Azienda), the Agora Award by the Philippine Marketing Association and the most coveted prize in Monaco, the Monte-Carlo Woman of the Year Award 2023, presented by the Sovereign Prince, His Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Manila and her team are leading the way to recreate cities based on real ones, but in a smarter and greener way to inspire positive changes for future developments. By doing this, Metaverse users are enabled to live whole, new and breathtaking experiences and be part of an environment where all the main economic sectors are combined in one single revolutionary and social virtual economy ecosystem.

“I have a constant goal, to build a better and inclusive future for for cities and countries worldwide.”

For those, who are interested to join international government representatives, C-level executives, tech innovators and researchers, as well as high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), to discuss the future of the virtual economy and sustainable tourism, please visit https://virtualeconomyconference.com for further details on the Sustainable Tourism and Virtual Economy Conference both in Monaco and later on in Malta.