New Skål International initiatives to enhance membership benefits are the focus of forum discussion.

The Skål International Thailand Annual Forum 2024, held in Chiang Mai in December, brought together members of the tourism industry in and around Chiang Mai and Skål International Members from around Thailand, Asia and America as well as Skål International club Presidents and Vice-Presidents from Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai.

A highlight of the opening event saw the traditional ceremony of president’s chains being exchanged; this year, between the presidents of the Thailand committee, as well as Phuket and Chiang Mai clubs.

This event launched a busy weekend with Skål International Thailand Annual Forum 2024 and the Annual General Meeting.

Skål International board members director Kevin Rautenbach, Director and Vice President elect Andres O. Hayes as well as Keethi Jayaweera, President of Skål International Asia Area were witness to Skål International Thailand Acting National President Shana Kongnum pass her chain to Phuket-based Eddy Brosse who becomes the new President of Skål International Thailand in 2025.

Eddy in turn, passed his chain to newly elected President of Skål International Phuket, Bas van Straten and Skål International Chiang Mai Club President Vorapot Chutima handed his chain to newly elected Skål International President Sittipong Wongsomboon.

Skål International Phuket and President elect for Skål International Thailand Eddy Brosse led the weekend conference with a programme of interactive workshops to review the newly structured Skål International statutes on membership, to understand the core values and mission of Skål in a fast changing world, and the marketing and promotion of the benefits of membership to professionals working in and around the travel and tourism sector. 

Supported by a global network of 78 clubs in 300 countries, Skål International is the world’s largest organization of its kind representing all sectors of tourism with 12,000+ members.

Skål International members benefit include regular social and business networking events in their respective clubs and globally, opportunities to promote their business locally and further afield, and a huge resource of information on topics ranging from sustainable and responsible tourism, to training and education programs for their personal development.

Training and education is a major focus for Skål International to evolve and ensure its relevance as a professional organization. A new series of videos and podcasts was recently launched and made available through the Skål International website and mobile application, offering members informative and inspiring training sessions on topics such as unlocking leadership potential, empowerment, and morale building to name a few.

Commenting on the event, Eddy Brosse said, “We decided to take this opportunity to take a deep dive into the meaning and values of Skål International, how we are perceived by the travel and tourism sector and how we can capitalize on the huge investment by Skål International of the past few years to broaden and strengthen our appeal to all ages and sectors of tourism, grow our membership and influence”. 

Lynn D. Grebstad, 

VP Public Relations & Communications | Skål International Thailand 

pr@skalthailand.com

Eddy Brosse, 

President | Skål International Thailand 

president@skalthailand.com