A Great Skal Success Story
Six years is a significant milestone, a time to reflect on achievements and the journey that brought them to fruition. For Skal Nice Côte d’Azur, the past six years have been a transformative period marked by extraordinary growth and success. When Nicolle Martin took on the role of President, the club was on the verge of closure, with only nine members and dwindling local interest. However, Nicolle, with her extensive background in leading the local Tourism Office and her dynamic energy, took on the challenge. Skal Nice Côte d’Azur has become the largest club in the Skal ecosystem, with more than 220 active members.
The foundation of this success lies in Skal Côte d’Azur’s strategic ability to attract key decision-makers within the travel and tourism industry. The current membership is a diverse representation of leaders across the French Riviera. The club’s membership now includes 25% hoteliers, 10% professionals from restaurants and bars, and 10% from tour and travel entities, with the remaining members spread across schools, transportation, service providers, and Young Skals. This diversity has made Skal Côte d’Azur a unique platform for collaboration and networking among industry leaders.
A critical aspect of Skal Côte d’Azur’s success has been its strong relationships with local political and administrative figures, which have provided essential support and stability to the club. This backing has enhanced the club’s local impact and ensured its long-term sustainability. Additionally, the club’s close ties with the local press have consistently elevated its profile, ensuring that Skal Côte d’Azur’s events receive the attention they deserve. These strategic relationships have been instrumental in raising the club’s visibility and reinforcing its importance within the global Skal community.
The passion and dedication of the Skal Côte d’Azur leadership team, led by Nicolle Martin and supported by key figures like Michel Bouthiba, Christine Hoareau, and Nathalie Zafra, have been central to the club’s remarkable growth. Their commitment has laid a strong foundation for future leaders, ensuring that the club’s legacy of passion and success continues to thrive.
This journey of success was recently highlighted during the celebration of Skal International Côte d’Azur’s 90th anniversary in November 2023, held at the prestigious Hôtel Martinez in Cannes. The event, which brought together a distinguished group of industry professionals, underscored the club’s significant achievements and its vital role in the tourism sector. Nicolle Martin, during this celebration, reflected on the club’s remarkable transformation under her leadership, growing from just nine members to 233 in just a few years, making Skal Nice Côte d’Azur the world’s leading Skal club.
As Skal Nice Côte d’Azur continues to grow and evolve, the club’s story stands as a powerful testament to the impact of visionary leadership, strategic networking, and a strong sense of community. The club’s journey from near closure to becoming the largest and most dynamic Skal club in the world is an inspiring reminder that with the right leadership and a shared vision, extraordinary achievements are possible.
