Inaugurated by Shri HK Patil, Honourable Minister for Tourism, Law and Parliament Affairs, Govt. of Karnataka, the SKAL India Congress embarked on a first of its kind convention where in two cities of Mysuru and Bengaluru played host to a galaxy of senior tourism professionals from India and abroad.

SKAL International India organized its SKAL INDIA CONGRESS, a first of its kind event at Bengaluru and Mysuru. It was an elaborate platform designed for like-minded professionals who want to participate in the progress of the travel industry.

This event acted as a catalyst to initiate exchange of views on the keys issues of the travel and tourism industry. The event was designed to arrive at anticipating future growth of the industry by providing a bridge to connect today’s resources to tomorrow’s sustainability.

“Incredible connections and partnerships formed during the conference have paved the way for a brighter future in our industry. A tremendous gathering of minds at the conference fueled our inspiration, and revitalized our resolve to meet the challenges of the growing industry.”

Ayappa Somaiah, President of the host club, Bangalore

This event when ably supported and promoted by Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka. Karnataka will be the first state of India to host this prestigious event in two of its prime cities, Mysuru and Bengaluru. Globally, we have set example of two important cities coming together to demonstrate their strong commitment towards Travel and Tourism Industry.

Some of the highlights of the event were

Brand Ambassadors: Bomman & Bellie, the couple protagonists of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘Elephant Whisperers’ are the face of an emerging altruistic India, aware of its riches and wise enough to preserve them. This humble tribal couple have already been felicitated by our Honourable President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu and have also received many awards for their priceless work of raising orphaned elephant calves, just as one would raise their children.

Having them as the Brand Ambassadors, endorsing the credo of Skal by being faithful to sustainable development goals where nature with all its diversity is mindfully cared for and preserved from Anthropocene affects. Who else could have justified such a mission other than Bomman & Bellie!

” The SKAL India Congress was a resounding success, uniting industry leaders and visionaries for an inspiring exchange of ideas. The congress provided invaluable insights and practical takeaways, leaving us better equipped to drive growth of our members”

Carl Vaz, President, SKAL International India

The Congress promised and delivered an action-packed event with Networking, Business Sessions, showcase of cultural vistas and fellowship.

“From engaging keynote sessions to the vibrant networking opportunities, this congress has brought our club members closer, and the energy and enthusiasm generated here will continue to drive our mission forward”.

Sudipta Deb, the Congress Chairman

The Congress began with a cultural extravaganza with the backdrop of Mysuru Palace where the colorful prelude to the Mysore Dasara celebrations were showcased. A panel discussion on conservation and heritage of Mysore to a session on the growing menace of cyber-crimes to a power packed interview with Mr. Patu Keswani, Chairman and Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels.

Sudipta Deb, the Congress Chairman, added “From engaging keynote sessions to the vibrant networking opportunities, this congress has brought our club members closer, and the energy and enthusiasm generated here will continue to drive our mission forward”.

The event encompassed a B2B exhibition which demonstrated the need of business networking and helped showcase different destinations and products. The business sessions came to a close with a felicitation of achievers in the field of tourism and hospitality. The event included a delegation from US, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Rwanda, making it one of the most successful SKAL National conventions.

“For the first time in the history of SKAL International, two clubs have come together to organize a National Congress. Our congress has been a remarkable journey, and it’s only the beginning of the great things we can achieve together as a club. This congress has set a new standard for excellence showcasing the strength of our members.”

BS Prashanth, the Co-Host and President of SKAL International Mysore

The festivities came to a close with a thundering performance from the legendary Usha Uthup, India’s ultimate singing diva, who’s baritone voice brought the house down.

About SKAL:

Skål International, founded in 1932 in Paris 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 the travel and tourism industry. Its members, the industry’s managers, and executives, meet at local, national, regional, and international levels to Do Business Amongst Friends. Skål International today has approximately 17,000 members in 400 Clubs throughout over 90 countries. Most activities occur at local level, moving up through National Committees, under the umbrella of Skål International, headquartered at the General Secretariat in Torremolinos, Spain. SKAL INTERNATIONAL INDIA represents the national chapter of this organization, with over 1700 members across 17 clubs in 16 cities of India.

—-