75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

The response to the invitation by President, Hulya Aslantas to attend the 75th Anniversary celebrations in Paris has surpassed all expectations and the gala dinner is now on waitlist. There are still places available for the networking luncheon on board the Bateaux Parisiens on 28 April 2009 and there are other opportunities listed on the website if you would like to visit Paris on this historic occasion. Click here for more information.

 

70th SKÅL WORLD CONGRESS

Registrations are now coming in for the 70th Skål Congress in Budapest. Full details including the pre- and post-tours are now on the Skål International website www.skal.travel go to congress or click here.

SKÅL INTERNATIONAL ASIAN AREA CONGRESS

The 38th Skål Asia Congress will be held in Incheon, Korea from 21 to 24 May 2009 (Thur sday -Sun day ). Located about 80 kms west of Seoul, Incheon is a gateway to Korea through Incheon International Airport serving over 170 international cities and also known as a hub for tourism, transportation and logistics in Asia. It is Korea’s third largest city with 2.7 million people. To obtain full information including the programme click here.

YOUNG SKÅL IS THE ANSWER

Lone Ricks, Director, Internal Communications whose portfolio also includes Young Skål writes the following: Young Skål is one of the membership categories of Skål International and this is a category which is developing in numbers in many countries. At the moment we have around 300 members worldwide. When we focus on the development of our organisation, we must remember to include young people. Read more.

FLORIMOND VOLCKAERT FUND

The Florimond Volckaert Fund was set up in the name of the acknowledged founder of Skål to provide assistance to Skål members and their immediate families who desperately need help. The Fund needs the help of every single Skål member and every Club worldwide where possible should send a donation to the Fund. Please click here to see how you can help.

TRAVEL TRADE SHOWS

Skål International has teamed up with Travel Trade Shows to help promote membership in the United States of America. Skål will be represented at 45 mini-trade shows this year. Buck Wilson, Travel Trade Show’s Executive Director and Colorado Club Member, says “that this will give Skål an opportunity to become more visible”. Wilson’s one day, evening, programmes are small receptions coupled with a table-top trade show exclusively for professional travel arrangers, travel agents, meeting planners, group coordinators and event planners. Wilson says, “We highlight small and mid-sized markets where the attendees are anxious and grateful to see suppliers that want their business during these tough economic times”. Wilson is also offering a discount to any Skål member supplier that wishes to exhibit at these travel trade shows this year. Members may find more information at www.travel-trade-shows.com/Skål.html.

Carol Betz and Hugh Barton from the Washington club at the travel trade show in Alexandria, Virginia.

 

 

Randall Dubois, President Skål International Hampton Roads Virginia talks with prospective members at the travel trade show in Hampton, Virginia.

 

SKÅL AT GLOBE 09

Alberto Zampi, President of Skål International Rome that the Club will have a Skål Stand at the International Tourism Fair GLOBE 09 www.globe09.com which will take place in Rome at the new Fiera of Rome from 26-29 March 2009. The fair will be a meeting point for all Skål Members and will promote Skål to all visitors. Skål International Rome is interested in encouraging Skålleagues interested in developing business with Italy to meet on the stand.

THUNDER BAY SKÅLLEAGUE HONOURED

Thunder Bay Skålleague, Norm Bevilacqua received the 2009 Best Western All-Star Governor Award from Roman Jaworowicz, Director, District III, at the recent Governor's Conference in New Orleans. Out of nearly 200 Governors, only two are chosen per District each year for this honour. David Kong, President and Chief Executive Officer for Best Western congratulated Norm and stated: "Our Governors are the leaders for this organisation and your dedication is impressive, your involvement with Skål International, the many hours you spend visiting and assisting members, making phone calls, exchanging emails, attending meetings and more. You deserve to be recognised for your leadership".

 

SKÅL AT ITB BERLIN

Skål members from more then 50 Countries attended the traditional Skål luncheon hosted by Skål International Berlin in connection with ITB. President Hulya Aslantas addressed the guests on the importance of the Skål network, and the solidarity among members, particularly in these uncertain times. She commented further that reduction in prices need not always be the solution but recommended members improve their products and come up with innovations through Skål members worldwide. She then presented her banner and gift to the President of Skål International Berlin Christian Wiesenhütter and thanked them for their kind invitation and ongoing commitment. The President of Skål International Hungary George Paldi reminded the attendance about the 70th World Congress which will take place in Budapest from 1-6 November and said he expected at least 150 participants from Germany. Special fares have been organised by Malev, Hungarian Airlines from all European hubs.

Pictured President Hulya Aslantas with Secretary General Jim Power presenting the Presidential banner to Thomas Steinmetz of E-turbo News.