70TH SKÅL WORLD CONGRESS, BUDAPEST HUNGARY

A reminder that the 70th Skål World Congress will be held in Budapest, Hungary from 1–6 November 2009. Full details are on the Skål International website www.skal.travel go to congresses.

ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONVOCATION

The official convocation for the General Assembly to be held during the 70th Skål World Congress in Budapest, Hungary on Tuesday 3rd November 2009 is at the following hyperlink: www.skal.org/pdf/letter.pdf

Clubs are reminded that this is the one opportunity they have annually to have their say in the running of the affairs of the organisation and to elect the offices of the Association. Every Club should endeavour to be represented at the General Assembly. While we constantly hear that congress fees are a deterrent, many Clubs use fund-raising throughout the year in order to be able to send a delegate. Clubs should remember that it is not necessary to attend the congress in order to participate in the General Assembly. We would appeal to Clubs to ensure that there is a good representation at the General Assembly.

Vice President Business Affairs has recently sent a letter to the Presidents of all National Committees and Clubs in connection with the Business to Business (B2B) workshop which will take place during the Congress in Budapest on Wednesday 4th November 2009. Please click here to see a copy of that letter.

POST SKAL BUDAPEST CONGRESS DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

Skålleagues from Skal Australia have chartered a ship exclusively for Skålleagues, accompanying partners and friends to cruise the Danube River for four days departing 8th November from Budapest to Bratislava, Slovakia to Vienna and back to Budapest. Full details can be obtained from the following hyperlink. http://www.globusfamily.com.au/Agents/images/ProductFlyers/Avalon/SKALcongressflyer-US_EU/090302-SKALcongressflyer-US_EU.pdf

There are over 100 Skålleagues and accompanying partners from 14 countries now booked on the cruise and there are still some cabins available. The cost of the cruise is fantastic value from only EUR 164/ USD 230 per day which includes cruising on the magnificent MV Avalon Tapestry, all meals, wine with dinner, guided tours, gratuities, port charges, transfers from Congress hotels and a special dinner function with the Vienna Skal Club at the Vienna Town Hall.

Do not miss out on this great opportunity to cruise with Skålleagues from around the world and enjoy some great fellowship and amicale. A booking form is available from the following hyperlink - http://www.skal.org/pdf/Booking_Form_Budapest09.pdf. Do not delay booking as cabins are going fast!

PRESIDENT’S E-MAIL ADDRESS

Due to a technical problem e-mails sent from 6 May to 20 June 2009 were not received. If you have sent a message to President Hulya Aslantas on president-09@skal.travel between these dates please repeat the message. Thank you.

HONORARY PRESIDENT JOE MALONE

Honorary President Joe Malone, who has been ill for some time is now recovering well. He could use the support and prayers of the Skål family and would enjoy receiving messages from you. His e-mail address is : mindy4@optonline.net

TRAVEL TRADE SHOWS

Skålleague Buck Wilson is again launching a number of Travel Trade Shows in various locations in the United States of America on which he is offering Skål members a special rate. Click here to see the dates and locations and to find the contact details for Buck.

MANUEL CASTILLO 1906-2009

It is with great sadness that we have been advised of the death of Manuel Castillo, member of Skål International Panama at the age of 103. Manual Castillo was the longest serving member of Skål in the world and was one of the founding members of Skål International Panama. He held the post of Secretary of the Club up to four years ago. Skål International Panama states that he has been conferred with the many recognitions and dedications which he was able to enjoy during his long life. We send our sincere condolences to the members of Manolo’s family and the members of Skål International Panama.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN TOURISM

At the recent International Council Meeting held in London the General Secretariat was asked to draw attention to the need by all Skål members to adopt good practises with regard to Sustainable Development in Tourism. In particular we would like to draw your attention to the 101 tips for Sustainable Development in Tourism on the Skål International website www.skal.travel go to “Sustainable Tourism”

AS A SKÅL MEMBER WHAT CAN YOU DO TO ASSIST SUSTAINBLE DEVELOPMENT IN TOURISM?

THE FOUR PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ARE:

• REDUCE
• REUSE
• RECYCLE
• REPLACE

WATER CONSERVATION:

• Separate waste water for recycling use. Only use recycled water in gardens.
• Repair all leaks promptly.

 

ENERGY CONSERVATION:

• Always choose to stay in environmentally friendly accommodation when travelling
• Turn the air conditioning to 25 degree centigrade in the summer.

WASTE REDUCTION:

• Use only glass containers.
• Buy reusable Shopping Bags

EMISSION CONTROL:

• Have your car checked annually.
• Avoid Oil-burning boilers – use heat pumps or natural gas

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Do not buy products made from endangered animal species or protected hard woods.
• Promote local gastronomy

ECOTOURISM TOP TIPS:

• If just one million households each replaced four traditional light bulbs with Compact Fluorescents (CFLs), we would eliminate 800,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year.