Unfortunately, I left it some years ago, just a year before the Lombardia Club of Skal International closed. I still like Skal International (that is why I am sharing about it), in particular the opportunities of international meetings, but I prefer to focus on different kind of organizations. 

Skal International World Congress experience - 2015

My experience at the Skal International World Congress (SIWC) was very interesting, I personally appreciated a lot being considered a member, but also an helper. It was very interesting to see how many details have to be organised for a conference that big.

 Radhakrishna and I working at Skal World Congress

This was not my first experience in congress organisation , I already worked with Tony Charters on the organisation of the Global Eco Conference 2013 (held in Noosa) in Queensland, Australia. The two experience have been very different: with Tony I was more in the back office taking care of social media marketing and audio/video arrangements, during the SIWC my role was more front office (welcoming and helping the other attendees during the world congress).

Working at the Skal Congress was also a great way to meet most of the Skalleagues attending it, introduce myself and start break the ice. The member side of the event was also interesting, it was the first time that a Young Skal programme is included in the world congress and I am honoured to have been part of the trial, I will do my best to help the organisation improve it.

Young skal informal meeting

It has been great to be in the same place and to share some moments with seniors, but also in general with international skalleagues. As often happens at the international level is easier to truly understand the organisation aims, benefits, interest and even rules & procedures, in two words the big picture of the organisation.
I am glad to say this was just one more step of an increased commitment to Skal and to my values: sustainability and responsibility, not only through my job, but also via the organisation that is already addressing the topic and concept.
I believe I influenced a bit the topics of the young skal programme, because with a great pleasure we had to dedicated moment of learning and discussion focusing on sustainability, responsibility and peace through tourism.

The first one was with Orlando Pérez, deputy manager of Sol Melia Costa del Sol. Orlando told us how the chain Melia and his hotel in particular have improved in sustainability and responsibility. He shared with us the process that he developed for Sol Melia Costa del Sol, pointing how satisfied he is for the huge change achieved, but also how difficult can be to change people mind and behaviour.

Another very interesting meeting was with Stefan Phang, sustainability and CSR director o Sealed Air (former Diversay Care). Stefan shared with us his commitment for international child protection, he is advocate for abused children, his presentation started with “ how many children should be abused to make you angry?” The answer, obviously was even just one and how to stop this atrocity? Stefan is working in different corners to help the children, but is very important is to prevent new abuses helping the parents to survive, to get some money and not selling their children for desperation, in one word poverty alleviation through small business development.

Young skal meeting with Cassie & Stefan

We met also Cassandra De Pecol, a young Skal member like us, from Los Angeles, CA, she is travelling the world promoting peace and friendship through tourism. The initiative she is developing is called Expedition 196, as IIPT ambassador and with the support of both IIPT and Skal International she wants to reach 193 countries in less than 3 years and 3 months. In each country she will meet with majors, Skal International presidents and students to share her view and perspective about peace.

young Skal at the gala dinner

I am glad I had the opportunity to attend this year Congress, this is an experience I would like to repeat and I suggest my Y Skalleagues not to miss it. I hope to able to attend the world congress again before I become an active blue member!

Young Skal International Symposium - 2015

I had the pleasure to attend the 3rd Young Skal International Symposium in Rome to meet some of my skalleagues from around the world during 4 days of meetings, seminars, networking and fun.

SKAL International is a very important international association member of the United Nations. The members are all leaders, business owners and managers in various branchees of the tourism sector. Skal International cares about  young professionals and students in tourism. In 1999 Young Skal was set up with the aim of creating a greater awareness of Skal International by those young people studying for or training in the various sectors of the travel and tourism industry, enabling them to join Skal.

Young Skal is a special membership category for students and young professionals in the travel industry up to 29 years of age. Being member of young Skal is the first step to be  eligible to become Skal associates.

The symposium made me reflect about how our generation can impact on the tourism sector, the panels were interesting, even if  we would have probably appreaciated more a workshop approach, instead of only giving our opinions.

The subjects we discussed were:
– networking: the strength of the network;
– the new figure of the entrepreneur & tourism manager: hyperconnected , open, flexible. Role potential and critical role;
– mentoring: a constructive synergy and knowledge transfer between senior and young members;
– the young Skal member: for a purposeful and active presence in the world of Skal international

The most interesting discussions in my opinion have been about networking and mentoring, during the meetings with my new friends we discussed in particular about networking, new ideas to be not only in touch but close to each other and easy to reach in case we need help or suggestions.

It was an interesting event, it was nice to be in Rome after long time, but the best part has been meeting with new friends and skalleagues and after all SKAL is this: SUNDHET (Health) – KARLEK (Friendship) – ÅLDER (Long Life) – LYCKA (Happyness).

Skal Association and the sustainability

sustainable tourism award - SKAL International

Skal International, following the United Nations declaration of 2002 as the Year of Ecotourism and the Mountains, launched the Ecotourism Awards in the same year to highlight and acknowledge best practices around the globe.

Skål, an international organisation of industry leaders, is a powerful force in the travel and tourism industry. It initiates change and encourages the conservation of the environment to promote tourism and travel.

The awards presented on these grounds, while highlighting best practices in tourism around the world, also serve to acquaint the world with this new concept, which emphasizes the importance of the interaction of the physical, cultural, and social environments, the traveller’s responsibility, and the need for active community participation in Ecotourism.

Organization's presentation

I have to say that I was part of a great and interesting organization, Skal International, that has supported me and my interest in sustainable tourism since 2009.

Unfortunately, I left it some years ago, just a year before the Lombardia Club of Skal International closed. Skal International

Here is the logo, and this is the website: SKAL international

Skål is a professional organisation of tourism leaders worldwide, promoting global tourism and friendship. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. Its members, the industry’s managers and executives, meet at local, national, regional, and international levels to discuss and pursue 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 Skål Clubs” was formed with Florimond Volckaert as its first President, who is considered the “Father of Skål”.

Skål International today has approximately 20,000 members in 450 Clubs throughout 85 nations. Most activities occur at the local level, moving up through National Committees under the umbrella of Skål International, headquartered at the General Secretariat in Torremolinos, Spain.

Skål 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.

Are you interested to know more?
Ask  #STouW by Sara Vitali about: 

#sustainabletourism consultancy,
#socialmedia strategies for tourism sector & linked sustainable, responsible, green or eco businesses;
#sustainabledevelopment through tourism.
https://sustainabletourismworld.com/sara-vitali-stw-founder/