| | The Executive Board is thrilled to present some important recommendations to propel Skål International forward. | | | |
How the luxury travel industry’s support sustains associations – and why it matters more than ever. | | |
Skål International World Congress 2025
Cusco, 25 - 30 September
| In just a few short weeks, the 84th Skål International World Congress will unite Skålleagues from every corner of the globe in the magical city of Cusco, Peru, 25–30 September 2025. Join us! | | Please note: Skål International members are invited to take advantage of an exclusive travel offer from Iberia! A special 10% discount on flights to Lima in connection with the World Congress in Cusco using the discount code: SKALLIMSEPT2025 | | The Agenda for the 2025 Skål International Annual General Assembly which includes reports from the Executive Board, Auditors, Trustees of the Florimond Volckaert and Antonio Garcia del Valle Membership Development Funds, financial statements and candidates for election is now available on the website Member’s Only section. | | | | |
The 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards have broken all previous participation records
Receiving an impressive 106 entries from 30 different countries, this year’s awards clearly demonstrate a burgeoning global commitment towards sustainable tourism and responsible practices.
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The Global Commitment of Skål International’s Sustainability Committee (2024 – 2025)
In a world that increasingly demands responsibility and collective awareness, the Sustainability Committee of Skål International stands as a beacon of action, commitment, and hope.
| Throughout 2024 – 2025, this Committee has intensified its efforts to prove that sustainability is not an empty word, but a way of life that must guide our decisions, policies, and everyday actions. | | | | |
Mexico, a magnificent Skål International adventure, by Angélica Angón, Past President Skål International Mexico
The commitment of Skålleagues in Mexico to sustainability is evident; they have actively participated in the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards presenting 18 projects in 2025.
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In addition to seeking growth, they focus on the retention of their members and have managed to have all 27 Clubs include talented professional women in tourism.
Picture: Christian Casillas, member of Skål International Bahias de Huatulco, México.
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Culture at the heart of sustainability, by Madlina Puka Özgür, GSTC-certified auditor and member of Skål International Konya (Türkiye)
Konya puts culture at the heart of sustainability, from Silk Road landmarks to Çatalhöyük and traditional cuisine, heritage and hospitality thrive together.
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Guided by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, Konya ensures sustainability goes beyond “green” initiatives. Cultural preservation, community engagement, environmental care, and economic responsibility are all intertwined.
Picture: Çatalhöyük Archaelogical Site - Neolithic settlement
©Metropolitan Municipality of Konya
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Green Gains: How Sustainable Practices Boost Profits in the Hotel Industry, by Claudio Cerquetti, member of Skål Intenational Koh Samui, (Thailand)
Sustainability is no longer just an ethical choice in hospitality, t’s a profitable strategy. From energy efficiency that slashes costs to attracting guests willing to pay more for responsible brands, eco-friendly hotels are boosting both their bottom line and long-term value.
| | Picture: Claudio Cerquetti | | Manage and certify your sustainability with Biosphere | | |
Sustainable Travel International present the 'Sustainable Tour Design Checklist': Design Tours That Do Good
Travelers want trips that give back. This free 'Sustainable Tour Design Checklist' from Sustainable Travel International gives tour operators and travel agents ten simple ways to reduce their environmental impact, support local communities, and create experiences guests love.
Download it now to start designing more purposeful tours today.
| | Congratulations to our outstanding Clubs! | | Three finalists nominated for the 'Skål Club of the Year Award' 2025 | | |
These outstanding Clubs have demonstrated exceptional commitment, creativity, and impact within and outside our international network:
| | | The electronic voting process will take place simultaneously with the elections for the General Assembly from 8 to 10 September 2025. Your vote is vital! We wish all nominees the best of luck. | | News from our Training Committee: Empowering Skål International through dynamic training | | | | We are thrilled to announce that our new Training website is now live and ready for members to access. This new space will serve as a central hub for training resources, development tools, and updates from the Committee. | | |
Skål International History
Did you know...?
In April 1985, during the 50th Anniversary celebrations of Skål International in Paris, the General Assembly approved Spain’s offer to relocate the General Secretariat to the Palacio de Congresos in Torremolinos, (Málaga), officially opening there on 22 April 1985.
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Years later, the General Assembly held in Rio de Janeiro in 1997 agreed to purchase Skål International’s current headquarters in Torremolinos, marking the move from the Palacio de Congresos.
The new offices opened on 16 February 1998.
This information has been extracted from several historical books available on skal.org/history
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Florimond Volckaert Fund Trustees News
Florimond Volckaert Fund Mid-Year Report 2025
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The Florimond Volckaert Fund continues to make a difference.
In its mid-year report, the Fund highlights the support provided to Skål International members facing hardship, reinforcing its mission of solidarity and care within the global Skål International community.
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Skål International signs agreement with Iberia
Skålleagues worldwide can now enjoy exclusive flight discounts with Iberia thanks to a new agreement signed by Skål International Spain.
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This document is a guide for the
Skål International membership on how to communicate our brand. Please note that this document is always available on our website, in the Brand Identity section (login required).
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The Protection of Gastronomic Heritage as a Vehicle for Belonging and Emotion,
by Visi González Ramos, President APPG, and member of Skål International Madrid
Emotourism is an emerging trend rooted in the quest for enriching experiences that awaken the senses and stir the memory.
| | | Faced with the threats of globalisation and cultural homogenisation, gastronomic culture emerges as a powerful symbol of identity and resistance. In this context, the work of the Asociación Patrimonio Gastronómico Protegido – APPG (Protected Gastronomic Heritage Association) is of vital importance. | | | | |
Beating Period Poverty, by Lets Go Travel Uniglobe
From youth mentorship and reforestation to conservation, community tourism and the Keep Her in School campaign against period poverty, Lets Go Travel Uniglobe drives life‑changing projects across Kenya – and invites you to be part of the journey.
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Skål International London, U.K., celebrates 90 years of legacy and leadership
This milestone event will be held on Friday, 31 October 2025, at the iconic Reform Club in Pall Mall, London. Members from around the world are warmly invited to join this historic occasion.
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| 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. | | |
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