| | Your Executive Board continue to look at the future of Skål International. It is my intention to put together a group of National Presidents to collaborate on the way forward. We will succeed if we work on our future collectively. | | | | In this issue, we explore key insights into the technology in hospitality, the impact of safety of destinations and how to handle crisis management, and the growing demand for eco-friendly accommodations. | | | | |
Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards. Call for entries
We are pleased to announce the 24th edition of the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards, recognizing excellence in sustainability across the global tourism industry. This year, with new categories and clear definitions. Submit your entries on time! Deadline: 31 May 2025.
| | | | |
Sustainable Tourism in the Heart of the Rainforest
The article explores the role of eco-tourism in conserving nearly 300 hectares of pristine rainforest along one of the tributaries of the Amazon River.
It highlights how local communities integrate sustainability practices, such as solar energy, agroforestry, and conservation, into their everyday lives. Efforts are also underway to include private reserves like these into Ecuador’s national system of protected areas.
Picture by Yacuma Ecolodge
| | |
Tackling Energy Costs through Cooling and Heating Solutions
In tropical hotels, air conditioning is the largest yet often overlooked contributor to energy consumption, accounting for up to 65% of total usage. While sustainability initiatives like composting and plastic reduction are prominent, addressing air conditioning inefficiencies holds significant potential for energy savings.
Picture by Claudio Cerquetti
| | This article emphasises that reducing AC energy consumption is not merely operational but a critical step towards a sustainable future. | | | | |
#HappyWorldSkalDay
Let’s unite to commemorate 91 remarkable years of Skål International!
| | |
Together, we honour the rich history and knowledge that have made us the global voice of tourism, fostering connections and innovation. This anniversary is not only a celebration of our journey but also a reaffirmation of the values that strengthen us for the future.
Join the celebration by sharing the pride of being part of an organisation that inspires collaboration and growth across the tourism industry. Here’s to 91 years of achievements and to a future filled with greater opportunities and enduring friendships!
Share your enthusiasm and join the celebration!
Download the visuals below for social media:
| | |
Committees 2025
Follow the link to learn about the composition of the Skål International 2025 Committees within the organisation's governance structure.
| | | |
Did you know...?
The preservation of Skål International's history has been a significant endeavour.
From 7–14 May 1950, during the Copenhagen Congress, the decision was made to establish the "Skål Archives," which was considered a cornerstone for the Association.
| | | |
The task was assigned to Georg Wilczek, who later stated in an article in Travel Topics: "The task would have been straightforward, but due to the hostility Skål faced from the authorities of the time, many Clubs destroyed any documents connected to Skål International. Fortunately, Swiss Clubs managed to provide some records from the period."
In 1952, Florimond Volckaert expressed his gratitude for Georg Wilczek's efforts in organising the archives. He lamented the destruction of most documents during the Second World War and urged anyone with relevant records to share them so they could be copied and used to rebuild Skål International's history.
This vital work continues today, led by Honorary President Antonio García del Valle. We extend our heartfelt thanks to him for his invaluable contributions in collecting and archiving the organisation's history.
This information has been extracted from several historical books available on skal.org/history
|
| |
Florimond Volckaert Fund Trustees News
Here is a message from the Fund's trustees:
| | | |
The Florimond Volckaert Fund needs your help!
We encourage all Skål International members to consider making a donation to the Florimond Volckaert Fund. You can contribute individually or as a club, and we welcome any fundraising initiatives you may wish to organize.
As we move forward, let us remember the spirit of solidarity that defines Skål International. Together, we can create a safety net for our community, ensuring that we stand by one another in times of hardship. Your support not only honors the legacy of Florimond Volckaert, who was the first Coordinating Trustee of the Fund, but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation within our organization.
| | |
Skål Club of the Year Award 2025
Follow the link to the Eligibility Requirements for the Skål Club of the Year Award 2025.
| | | |
New Clubs Formation
A warm welcome to the new Skål International clubs Surat-South Gujarat (India) with 26 founding members and Canarias-Islas Orientales (Spain) with 17 founding members!
| | | Together, we continue to strengthen our global community with inspiration, connection, and commitment. | | |
New Whistleblower Channel
As part of the implementation of the Protocol for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, we are pleased to announce that a link to our new Whistleblower Channel is now available on the Skål International website’s footer.
| | This channel allows any member or third party related with Skål International to report conduct, actions or omissions that may constitute breaches of criminal or administrative regulations or infringements of European Union law. | | | The channel is designed, set up and managed in a secure manner, ensuring the confidentiality of both the identity of the complainant and any third party mentioned in the communication. Through the link on our website, you can also access a detailed Manual that explains the operation of this channel and the process of management and processing of the complaints received. | | Compliance with these guidelines will be essential to qualify for the Club of the Year Awards. | | |
Safety of Destinations Initiative, by Jaime I. Mayaki, UN Tourism Director, International Development and Cooperation Department
The Safety of Destinations Initiative by UN Tourism aims to ensure safe and secure destinations worldwide.
| | | It focuses on strengthening tourism resilience through research, policy guidance, and capacity-building, involving Member States and Affiliate Members like Skål International. Key efforts include the 2021 White Paper on Safety and Security, a comprehensive survey, and regional initiatives like Safe-D Europe to enhance safety policies and crisis preparedness. | | |
Skål International World Congress 2025
Cusco, September 25 - 30, 2025
Visit the official website now and secure your spot!
| | Skål International Area Congresses | | |
Skål International at WTM Africa
We are excited to welcome our Skålleagues at our stand:
Hall 2, K29.
| | | |
Help Us Spread the Word: China Ready® Workshop at WTM Africa
With China’s outbound travel set to reach 200 million travelers annually by 2028, WTM Africa is excited to launch its first-ever China Ready® Workshop in partnership with CBISN.
Taking place on 11 April 2025 at the CTICC, this exclusive one-day training, led by Dr. Marcus Lee, CEO of China Travel Online, will equip African tourism businesses with the knowledge and strategies to attract and cater to the world’s largest outbound travel market.
| | |
Participants will gain key insights into:
- Chinese traveler expectations
- Preferred digital payment methods
- Social media marketing for China
- Essential cultural etiquette
| | Past attendees of the China Ready® programme have reported over 100% growth in Chinese visitors, a testament to its impact. This is a game-changing opportunity for tourism professionals looking to expand into this market. | | Registration is now live for IMEX Frankfurt, taking place May 20-22. | | |
| Did you know? You can join our exclusive LinkedIn Group for Skål International members to connect, share insights, stay updated, and share content from your clubs. Join us today! | | Please do not hesitate to contact communication@skal.org with any questions or suggestions for new editions. Thank you for our interest. | | |
DATA PROTECTION INFORMATION
This message is intended only for its addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that the use, disclosure, and/or unauthorized copy of this message is strictly prohibited under current law. If you have received this message in error, we ask that you please notify us immediately and proceed to delete this message. The personal data that appears herein and the data that SKÅL INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION – A.I.S.C. – SKÅL INTERNATIONAL keeps about you and your company are subject to current law on personal data protection.
This correspondence complies with current law on processing data for promotional, advertising, and marketing purposes. You are receiving this email as a member or contact of SKÅL INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION – A.I.S.C. – SKÅL INTERNATIONAL or because you have completed one of the forms on our website at www.skal.org. In accordance with the provisions of Article 22 of Law 34/2002 on Information Society Services and Electronic Commerce, Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which approves the General Data Protection Regulation, and Organic Law 3/2018, of December 5, on Personal Data Protection and the Guarantee of Digital Rights, you have the right to access, rectify, limit processing, delete, request portability, and oppose your personal data's processing, as well as to withdraw your consent by means of a written, signed request addressed to Skål International, P.O. Box 466, 29620, Torremolinos, Málaga (Spain) or by sending an email to our Data Protection Officer at dpd@skal.org. If you do not wish to receive any further communications from our Association you can unsubscribe by accessing your user profile on our website skal.org and checking the option “Unsubscribe from Skål International communication”.
| | | | |
