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SKAL is a professional organization of tourism leaders around the world,
promoting global tourism and friendship. It is the only international group uniting
all branches of travel and tourism industry. Its members, the industry's
managers and executives, meet a local, national, regional and international
levels to discuss and persue topics of common interest.
The first Club was founded in 1932 in Paris by travel managers, following
an educational tour of Scandinavia. The idea of international goodwill and friendship
grew and, in 1934, the "Association Internationale des SKAL Clubs" was
formed with Florimond Volckaert as its first President, who is considered the
"Father of SKAL".
SKAL International today has approximately 23,000 members in 500 Clubs
throughout 90 countries. Most activities occur at local levels, moving up through
National Committees, under the umbrella of SKAL International, headquartered
at the General Secretariat in Torremolinos, Spain.
SKAL International is governed by an Executive Committee of seven members,
elected by delegates to an annual General Assembly, held during the
World Congress, hosted by a different country each year. This allows members
first-hand observation of the travel and tourism potential around the world.
Membership in SKAL is open to managers or executives directly involved in
tourism management, sales and promotions, in specified travel and tourism
businesses, including: transportation (airlines, cruise lines railways, ferries),
travel and tour operators and agencies, tourism organizations, government
and non-government tourism councils, hotels, convention centers, travel media,
etc.
The word SKAL has its origin in Skandinavia. In good old times SKAL
was a greeting up North, which was shouted at the entering stranger by
simultaneous presentation of the SKAL, the bowl with the welcome drink, as
a sign of friendship. Nowadays it it the toast every time Skalleagues meet.
The single letters of the word SKAL have the following meaning:
| S |
sundheit |
for health |
| K |
sarlek |
for friendship |
| A |
aruger |
for long life |
| L |
lycka |
for happiness |
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Those who are interested in joining SKAL are invited to attend any of our events (see the News/Events page for upcoming meetings and events).
Call Tim Waterhouse, 081-987-6916 or Komson Sevatasai, 081-616-3737, Directors of membership if you want more details.
Membership is open to anyone with at least three years of experience in the travel/tourism industry or with some affiliated industries.
For more information, you can also contact the Secretariat Office (see information above) or any local member.
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