Situated in the heart of the scenic Swiss Canton Ticino, Ferrovia Monte Generoso (FMG) stands as a testament to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Recently, this commitment was illuminated when FMG was honoured with the Skal Europe Sustainability Award on the 3rd of December. Monica Besomi, Vice Director – Head […]
Yearly Archives: 2023
88 posts
On Thursday, November 9th, Skal International Côte d’Azur celebrated the 90th anniversary of its creation at the prestigious Hôtel Martinez in Cannes. The event kicked off with a round-table discussion on the theme of “Tourism, Culture and Heritage”, moderated by Bérangère Authieu, CEO of the agency “Your Travel Experience” and […]
The new Treasurer of Skal International and IT Director had a conversation with us, and we gladly publish. As the new member of the rejuvenated Skal Europe board, we discussed with Alan Racic what he believes will drive the evolution of Skal as a brand at the forefront of tourism […]
Outstanding Achievements Recognized at Skal Europe’s Annual General Assembly In a ceremony that underscored the commitment to sustainable tourism, Skal Europe’s Annual General Assembly bestowed honours upon individuals and projects making remarkable strides in fostering responsible and eco-friendly travel. The Board acknowledged the following outstanding Sustainable Tourism Members and Projects: […]
On the 4th of November 2023, the Skal Europe General Assembly held in Malaga elected and presented the new board for the period 2023 to 2025. The President of Skal Germany, Jo Jungwirth, supervised the online election process, which saw a total of 106 ballots cast. The results are as […]
On October 4th, 2023, the SKAL EUROPE ACADEMY hosted an enlightening session that delved into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hospitality industry. This webinar, which took place online, provided attendees with practical insights into the applications of AI. In the webinar, Samuel Siegfried, co-founder of PlaynVoice, […]
The Rome International Skal Golf Challenge 2023, held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Fioranello Golf Club proved to be a remarkable success. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 112 golfers, all gathering to celebrate the sport they hold dear. This article highlights the key moments of this […]
We are pleased to introduce the dedicated individuals applying for positions within the Skal Europe board. Each candidate brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advancing the goals of Skal International across Europe. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise promise to enrich the organization’s initiatives. Candidates: Positions Open for […]
Candidate for President 2023-2025 Vision for SKAL International Europe Area and the Role of the President Europe, with its rich history in tourism dating back centuries for learning and science, and even millennia for trade and innovation, stands as the cradle of the industry. Establishing a dedicated SKAL International Europe […]
Candidate for Vice-President 2023-2025 Vision for SKAL International Europe Area and Role of Vice-President As a candidate for the position of vice president for SKAL International Europe Area, I draw upon a wealth of experience garnered over years of dedicated service. Having been deeply involved in the tourism landscape, I […]
Candidate for Communication Director – Elevating Engagement Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as the Communication Director for Skal Europe. During this time, I successfully orchestrated the publication of over 150 articles and events on the Skal Europe website. Additionally, I undertook the crucial […]
Candidature for the Position of Secretary I am honoured to put forth my candidature for the role of Secretary General within the Skal Europe Area Committee. Drawing on my extensive background in sustainable practices and proven leadership in the tourism and hospitality sectors, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to […]
Candidature for the Position of Auditor – Director Special Projects I am a seasoned Luxury Hospitality Operations Executive with a wealth of experience in Leisure Asset Management, Human Resources Strategies, Strategic Management, and Brand Development across various domains including Cruises, Yachts, and Hotels. With over two decades of dedicated commitment […]
Candidature for the Position of Treasurer – IT Director As the candidate for the position of IT Director of Skal Europe, I aim to streamline and enhance our online presence while ensuring efficient content distribution. Here’s the plan: By immersing myself in the current IT management of Skal Europe AC […]
Candidature for the Position of Auditor – Director Special Projects and Development Activity Program for the Position of Director of Special Projects and Development: By leveraging my extensive experience and expertise, I am dedicated to spearheading these initiatives to further strengthen and advance Skal Europe’s presence and impact within the […]
Candidature for the Position of MDO – Membership Development Officer Skal International Europe Area Committee Membership Development Plan Ladies and gentlemen of Skal International Europe, I am honoured and enthusiastic to present myself, Georgeta Grecu, as a candidate for the Skal Europe board. With deep-seated passion and dedication to the […]
Candidate for Vice-president Candidature Statement for Vice-president of Skal Europe I am pleased to present my candidature, viewing it as a seamless continuation of the substantial groundwork laid by Tito Livio Mongelli, who now holds the esteemed position of President of Skal Italia, during his tenure at Skal Europe over […]
Please find below the recording of the Skal Europe Academy on Circular Economy best practices that was held on the 6th of September 2023.
In an interconnected world, the pursuit of elevated quality standards has emerged as a keystone for economic prosperity, sustainable growth, and consumer confidence. The European Union, standing as a vanguard in this endeavour, has been instrumental in setting and upholding stringent quality benchmarks across various industries. This text will delve […]
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Luca Albano, the Director of Italy & Partnership EU at Customer Alliance, a prominent player in the realm of online reputation management. With over 8 years of experience in the digital landscape, Luca Albano, a member of Skal Roma, sheds light on […]
The European Commission, on July 31, 2023, officially adopted the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). These standards are of paramount relevance to the tourism industry within the European Union. They apply comprehensively to all companies operating in the tourism sector, aligning with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), a pivotal […]
Golf, often hailed as a sport of precision and camaraderie has found an enthusiastic embrace within the circles of Skal Clubs across Europe. With a commitment to promoting both the spirit of competition and the bonds of friendship, these clubs have woven an intricate tapestry of golfing events that transcend […]
In a change of course, this year’s edition of the Skal Alpen Golf Challenge is set to embrace the scenic beauty of Engadine, where the alpine air meets the allure of the golfing greens. The event, initially planned for the Lake Constance area, takes a detour to Engadine, returning to […]
On the occasion of the candidature of the DMO Welcome Irpinia to the Skal International Sustainability Awards 2023, we interviewed the President of Skal Napoli that, in only three years from its foundation, is all over the Italian Press and built strong ties with local and national institutions. SE: Thank […]
Interview with Nelly Russo, member of and supported by Skal Napoli, Founder of “Welcome Irpinia” DMO, and candidate in the next Skal International Sustainability Awards 2023. Skal Europe: Today, we have the honour of speaking with Nelly Russo, the visionary behind the “Welcome Irpinia” Destination Management Organization (DMO). Nelly, thank […]
A Global Snapshot of Preferred Categories and the Call for Greater European Involvement The Skål International Sustainability Awards for 2023 celebrated the outstanding efforts of participants worldwide, showcasing their commitment to sustainable tourism practices and community development. While commendable initiatives were recognized, a closer examination of the data reveals an […]
We receive and gladly publish this article, by Nicole Franciolini, about the Vie Francigene project that Skal Roma supports in the Skal International Sustainability Awards 2023 and the Skal Europe Awards for Sustainable Tourism. The ancient European pilgrimage routes, including the Via Francigena and Camino de Santiago, are not only […]
Ramón Adillón Sastre, the esteemed President of Skal Madrid, has proudly announced his inclusion in the prestigious list of the 150 most influential tourism professionals in Spain for the fourth consecutive year. This remarkable achievement marks his consistent recognition since the inaugural edition of the list in 2020, making him […]
Please find below the minutes of the European president’s meeting, held on Zoom on the 19th of July, 2023. Topics discussed: Ad 1. President Franz Heffeter reported about the last Skal Europe seminars and the excellent attendance. There were also good discussions, which shows the participants’ great interest. He invited […]
Skal Europe was founded on the premise that it would not be an extra cost for Members and Clubs. However, we need money to organize the AGA, maintain the internet infrastructure, and participate in international events. Skal Europe can offer individual (private) sponsors: visibility through our channels (interview on skaleurope.org, an […]
Simona Graziani is a new member of Skal International. She is a technology startupper with a very new concept for the hotel industry that has many consequences on the social value of holidays and sharing economy. SE: Please tell us something about your decision to become a startupper and your […]
All clubs belonging to the Skal Europe Area Committee are invited to participate in the AGA that will be held in Malaga, on Saturday, November 4th at 9 AM at Hotel Ilunion Málaga, P.º Maritimo Antonio Machado, 10. Participation is free of charge. Agenda The AGA will be held at […]
We receive and gladly publish this research by Simona Graziani of Skal Roma and co-founder of Takyon. After the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has exhibited remarkable resilience and the ability to recover. Emerging changes in the tourists’ experience necessitate preparedness among industry professionals to capitalize on […]
Skal Europe Area Commitee offers a permanent forum open to all the European Clubs, not a governance structure. This year we will hold the elections for a new board to continue the work done in the past two years (by a handful of people without a budget). The forum is […]
Skal International is introducing a new category of “art and culture professionals”. This will bring several benefits to the association and its members, particularly in terms of membership growth, new opportunities, and best practices. “Art and culture professionals” refer to individuals who are involved in various aspects of the arts […]
Sustainable tourism has emerged as a vital aspect of the travel industry, with increasing awareness of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism. Several certifications and labels have been established in Europe to promote and recognize sustainable tourism practices. These certifications serve as valuable tools for travellers, businesses, and […]
On June 25th at 18:30, Skal Napoli, represented by President Anna Maria De Lucia and Vice-President Anna Cioffi, participated in the inauguration ceremony of a ceramic artwork donated to the Municipality of Casamicciola Terme. This magnificent piece of art was financed through the funds collected among the members and clubs […]
We had a chat with Nicolle Martin who, in less than five years, built the largest Skal Club in the world. This is the recipe for her success. SE: Good morning Nicolle, tell us something about your background. NM: I’ve spent 45 years working in tourism, which is a real […]
The SKAL Club Suisse International (SCSI) plays a vital role in enhancing the association’s visibility and attracting fresh members. Through active involvement in the local community and the organization of diverse events and activities, the club raises awareness regarding the association’s objectives and offerings. We have implemented several key strategies […]
Passion for Mexico, but the East Is Thriving. We receive from Skal Rome and share with all our European Skalleagues. That the American market has become one of the most active of 2023 is now clear to the entire tourism world: in these post-pandemic years, where everything is still in […]
A very interesting conversation with Pier Tognazzini, a member of Skal Cote d’Azur, about the key role of tech startups in the growth of sustainable tourism. SE: Good morning, Pier, can you please tell us something about yourself and why you decided to develop MooVert, the first online platform for […]
Again, it’s not about football! Twenty Italian and French operators had a one-hour meeting, introducing themselves and their companies in a very amicable and pleasant way. On the 8th of June, twenty operators from Italian and French clubs met on Zoom creating the basis for new relations in the true […]
Tourism economic leakage refers to the phenomenon where a significant portion of the revenue generated by tourism flows out of the destination, rather than benefiting the local economy. The consequences of tourism economic leakage have negative impacts on the host community and its long-term development. Here are the most relevant: […]
Barbecue open-air and minigolf on June 23d, in Belgium, courtesy of Skal Brussels. We receive and gladly publish… Dear Skålleagues and Friends, Dear All, We sometimes criticize our meetings for being too frequent, always in the same place and according to the same formula, etc.For a change, and with the […]
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” Introduction: Sustainable tourism is all about minimizing harm to the environment, preserving cultural heritage, and uplifting local communities. Daniela Hedstrom, a passionate advocate for social sustainability, brings these values to life in every destination development […]
As a tradition in the month of June, Skal Venice organizes the “SKAL Friendship Days” from the 8th to the 11th of June 2023 to which, in addition to the members of the Club of Venice, all Skal members, both Italian and international, are welcome. Guest of honour will be […]
Tourism cultural exploitation has many negative consequences, both for the communities being exploited and for the overall sustainability of the tourism industry. Tourism often involves visiting unique cultural sites and engaging with local communities. However, unchecked tourism growth leads to the erosion of local cultures and traditions. Sustainable tourism promotes […]
Skål International München invites you to the SKÅL Oktoberfest-Event 2023 Program 29.09.2023 – from 6 pm Oktoberfest-Warm-Up in the Hofbräuhaus, 2nd floor in the „Erkerzimmer“ room. „Rustic get-together“ with the Munich Club with a whole pork suckling and Oktoberfest beer from the keg. Contribution to the 3-course pork suckling menu […]
“If you are going to rebel, do it with purpose”. In the ever-changing world of the tourism industry, where sustainability and long-term development are crucial, My aim is to stand out as a true pioneer in guiding destinations and companies towards a brighter future. That helps me to try new […]
Sustainable tourism, also known as responsible tourism or ecotourism, initially gained prominence due to its focus on environmental conservation and minimizing negative impacts on natural ecosystems. However, sustainable tourism has evolved over time to encompass broader social, cultural, and fairness aspects. While there may still be a perception that sustainable […]
Responsible and sustainable tourism is not solely focused on the environment because it recognizes that tourism has impacts beyond just ecological aspects. While the environment is a crucial component of sustainable tourism, there are several other dimensions that need to be considered for tourism to be truly responsible and sustainable. […]
No, it’s not a football game. Italian and German operators met in a very enjoyable presentation with the true spirit of Doing Business Among Friends. On May 23d, 17 members belonging to 11 different Skal Clubs from Germany and Italy met online to introduce themselves, and their companies, creating new […]
On June 7, Stefan Pettersson, a member of Skal Stockholm and founder of Gameng, will deliver a webinar on the effective use of AI for small tourism firms. We guarantee that after this webinar the world never be the same again- so don´t miss it! Are you a small tourism […]
On Monday 8 May at 6 pm the new webinar of the Skal Academy with Sk. Raffaele Pasquini, Head of Advertising of ADR (Aeroporti di Roma), who will illustrate, together with Diego Giannone, Head of Forecast & traffic analysis of ADR, the future trends of air transport. An insight into […]
The combination of art, and design in a sustainable hotel project Michaela Reitterer took over the hotel Vienna Stadthalle in 2009 and immediately renamed it to Boutiquehotel Stadthalle to become better visible on search machines. The next step was to make the hotel sustainable and now also newly designed parts […]
April 30, 2023, is the final deadline for submitting offers for the Skal Europe 2023 elective AGA. All European Clubs are welcome and encouraged to submit an offer. Here is a reminder of what Skal Europe is looking for. When We would want to hold the AGA during any weekend […]
Skal International’s 108th club was founded in Madrid on 4 March 1953. Since then, many things have changed in Spain, in Europe and in the world. Nowadays Spain is an important country in international tourism and Skal International Madrid is one of the most active Spanish clubs. In recent years, […]
During the last AGA, Skal Italia announced the winning projects for its Sustainable Tourism Awards. Every one of the nine categories was covered by projects, of different amplitude but inspiring for all. Sustainable tourism awards are becoming increasingly popular as travellers seek out destinations and businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility […]
On the 3rd of April over 40 skalleagues from 9 European countries joined the webinar held in English by Josep Ejarque, a leading DMO specialist. Here are the slides. The webinar, organized by the Skal Europe Academy, was stimulating and gave a lot of food for thought. Participants were very […]
Moritz Freise is one of the youngest Skal Presidents ever elected. We received and published this letter from Moritz Freise. Dear Skållegues across Europe, I am honoured to present myself today as the newly elected Skal International President of Berlin. My name is Moritz Freise, and I’m now one of the […]
All Set To Be The Best! The 2023 Skål Asia Congress will take place 1-4 June at the luxurious Merusuka Hotel Nusa Dua, Bali. BALI, Indonesia: Skål International Bali is proud to announce the upcoming Skål Asia Congress 2023 (SAAC 2023) will be held from 1-4 June 2023, at the Merusaka Hotel in Bali’s […]
Drought in Europe has become an increasingly concerning issue over the past few years, with record-breaking temperatures and dry spells affecting many countries across the continent. According to the European Drought Observatory (EDO), between 2018 and 2020, over 1,000 areas across Europe were affected by drought. The drought affected several […]
The European Union’s sustainability and energy efficiency rules are set to have a significant impact on the European hotel industry in the next five years. With a focus on reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and waste production, the EU is pushing for sustainable practices across all industries, including tourism. The […]
On April 3rd at 6 PM Skal Europe is holding the first continental webinar, organized by Skal Italia in English. The subject is fascinating for all the destinations rebuilding tourism after Covid, particularly those with over-demand and over-exploitation of resources. Josep Ejarque is a Destination Marketing and Destination Management Professional, […]
The Arena di Verona Festival is one of the most important events for tourism in the city, attracting visitors from all over the world to attend opera performances and concerts inside the suggestive Roman amphitheatre. Since 2019, the number of tourists visiting the city for the Arena di Verona Festival […]
Skal Roma and the Arena di Verona have reached an agreement which provides all Skal members with a significant discount (30%) on seats in the stalls or grandstands for some opera performances during the 2023 summer season. Also, Skal Roma negotiated with the Verona Tourism Board special discounted hotel rates. The negotiated rates are not […]
The twinning will take place in Palermo on the 18th of March 2023, during the Skal Italia AGA. It is with great pleasure that we inform you of the unanimous decision taken by the Skål Clubs of Venice and Lugano, respectively in the person of President Domenico Stanziani (Skål Venice) […]
On the 14th of October 2022, Skal Europe held its Annual General Assembly in Rijeka City Hall in the presence of Skal Europe Presidents and Delegates. Agenda: President Franz Heffeter opens the meeting at 14:30 and thanks Past World President Nik Rakic for his effort to provide the opportunity of […]
Jo Jungwirth, president of Skal Germany, welcomed the get-together with inspiring words. For those who were not there please find below the speech and the traditional Skal toast. Many thanks to Region Sardegna and Ms Roberta Loi of the Sardinia Tourism Council who made the event possible. In the following […]
Thanks to European Clubs and National Committees the traditional ITB get-together happened also this year. On the 8th of March Skal Germany, with the collaboration of Skal Italia, organized the traditional meeting of Skalleagues attending the ITB show. Unlike the other years, Skal did not have a stand. However, the […]
The motto for the travel fair is “Open for change”. For SKÅL Germany, however, this is an unfortunate change. Accommodation for the club and the SKÅL world at the fair is no longer available as in previous years, which financially enabled us to have a stand or the traditional ‘get […]
The Alpen Skal Golf Challenge is a premier golf tournament held annually in the stunning Alps region of Europe organized by Skal Engadina, Skal Tirol, Skal Alto Adige Sud Tirol, Skal Garmish and Skal Zell Am See. It is a unique event that attracts some of the most talented golfers […]
On March 3rd, Skal Madrid club will celebrate its 70th anniversary! Ramon Adillon Sastre, President of Skal Madrid tells the European Skalleagues that “…we are going to celebrate it as it deserves next Friday 3rd March at 18.30 in the Faculty of Tourism of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid with […]
Skal Europe is an organization committed to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices in the travel industry. As part of its efforts, Skal Europe has been a long-standing supporter of golf as a sport that aligns with its values and goals.
Young Professionals play a crucial role in Skal Europe and the organization provides them with support, resources, and opportunities to advance their careers.
Skal Europe is a platform at the service of European Clubs. The 2023 AGA will be a great moment for members and clubs to get exposure and recognition. All Clubs and National Committees belonging to Skal Europe Area are invited to provide prizes for Award winners such as Sustainable Tourism […]
Skal Europe intends to hold its AGA in October / November 2023, over a weekend (Friday to Sunday) with all the official parts happening on Saturday (open assembly, election of new board, young Skal assembly, sustainable tourism awards, formal dinner). The number of participants could be between 50 and 100. […]
Skal Europe’s continental dimension gives Clubs and National Committees the power to highlight the activities of single members. The Sustainability Awards are one of the platforms that Clubs can use to provide members visibility and recognition. Let’s see how. All the presented sustainable tourism projects will be published across Skal […]
Hungary’s premier tourist exhibition awaits travel lovers again The exhibition awaits visitors from February 23-26 in the largest pavilion of 20,000 square meters of the HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center, where exhibitors arrive from nearly 30 countries. This year, the guest of honour in Hungary is BalatonBike365 – Bike […]
Almost one year ago, this part of Europe was shaken by something which we considered to be unacceptable in the modern world. One country starts to bomb a neighbour. As a consequence, a lot of refugees entered countries around. Romania, Poland Hungary become immediately new homes for Ukrainian fellows. Romania […]
Program National Assembly of SKAL Italia in Palermo from 16 to 19 March 2023 on the 70th anniversary year since the foundation of SKAL International Palermo discovering the Arab-Norman Route. We receive from Skal Italia the announcement of the AGA and a very interesting program (4 days, 3 nights) for […]
Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Golf Club Fioranello the Skal Club of Rome will hold the Second International Skal Roma Golf Challenge at the Golf Club Fioranello, near Rome. The Ryder Cup in 2023 could mark the definitive national and international launch of golf in Italy. According to experts, […]
Eligibility to participation Subject of project The submitted project must relate to one or more of the following topics: EconomySupported by a prosperous environment and society, the SDGs from an economic point of view focused on industry, innovation and infrastructure, the reduction of inequality, responsible consumption, and production; decent work […]
Skal Europe had a Sustainable Tourism Awards already in 2021, and we look forward to honouring the new award winners in the next European General Assembly. Why sustainable tourism awards? Europe is a continent with a population of 500 million, subject to seasonal domestic mass travel for holidays, and attracting […]
During the next General Assembly of Skal Italia (in the second half of March 2023 in Palermo) the Sustainable Tourism Quality awards will be assigned to the best projects from Italian Clubs. The initiative is very successful as it gives individual members and clubs colossal visibility. The categories for sustainable […]