Stockholm, Helsinki, Turku and Tallinn are building a practical model of regional collaboration, one meeting at a time Some of the most useful developments in an international organisation do not begin with a formal programme. They begin when people recognise that their neighbours are facing similar questions and decide to sit around […]
All about 2026
Skål Europe Club of the Year 2026 Candidate Series Five clubs from around the world have been nominated for the title of Skål Club of the Year 2026. In this series, Skål International Europe introduces the European candidates, exploring their achievements, distinctive character and contribution to the wider Skål movement. We begin […]
From the Adriatic to the Maldives and Jakarta, environmental change is forcing destinations to reconsider assumptions about investment, insurance and competitiveness. For tourism professionals, climate risk is becoming less about predicting a distant future and more about understanding the value of an asset today. Tourism has always invested in geography. We build […]
Recognising Those Who Make Skål Stronger Every organisation is shaped by people who decide to contribute something more. They create opportunities, bring people together, develop new initiatives, strengthen their Clubs, support other members, build bridges and sometimes simply take responsibility when something needs to be done. The Skål Europe Special Awards 2026 […]
Second Edition In 2026, the Skål Europe Tourism Technology Awards return for their second edition. Technology is changing tourism at extraordinary speed. It influences how businesses operate, how destinations are managed, how professionals work, how travellers plan and experience their journeys, and how organisations communicate with customers and with each other. But […]
In 2026, the Skål Europe Sustainability Awards reach their sixth edition. Over the years, the Awards have provided Skål members with an opportunity to bring forward sustainability initiatives developed throughout the tourism sector, making practical experiences visible and allowing ideas to be shared across our international professional network. The purpose remains simple: […]
The Skål Europe Awards 2026 are designed to discover, recognise and share the ideas, experiences and achievements of members across our European network. We want participation to be simple. There is no mandatory application template and no need to transform a good initiative into a complicated award submission. Tell us what you […]
Ideas and Experiences Worth Sharing What are you doing that others could learn from? Every day, Skål members develop solutions, introduce new practices, experiment with technology, improve the sustainability of their activities and contribute to the communities and destinations in which they operate. Some are major projects. Others are small changes that […]
The 8th Skål Alpine Golf Challenge comes to Zell am See from 18 to 20 October 2026, continuing a travelling tradition that brings together Skålleagues from across the Alpine regions of Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Mountains do not necessarily follow the borders drawn on maps. The Alps connect communities, destinations and […]
Golf, Friendship and Networking in the Austrian Alps The Skål Alpine Golf Challenge comes to Zell am See for its 8th edition, bringing Skålleagues together from 18 to 20 October 2026 for three days of golf, friendship, networking and shared experiences in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Organised by Skål International […]
Rome will once again bring together the worlds of high-end travel and sustainability at Ecoluxury Fair, taking place on 12–13 November 2026. What defines excellence in tourism today? For a long time, the answer was relatively straightforward. Exceptional accommodation, personalised service, exclusivity and access to extraordinary places were among the characteristics traditionally […]
Where High-End Tourism Meets Sustainability Save the date for Ecoluxury Fair 2026, returning to Rome on 12 and 13 November. Ecoluxury Fair is an international B2B event dedicated to the meeting point between high-end tourism and sustainability, bringing together tourism professionals, buyers, hospitality operators, destinations and specialised businesses interested in developing tourism […]
15-17 September 2026 | Paris, Porte de Versailles, Hall 1 Every year, IFTM (International & French Travel Market) brings together the key players of the travel and tourism industry in France and beyond. As the leading B2B trade show dedicated to tourism, IFTM serves as a meeting point for professionals from the […]
Climate Change: Beyond Opinion, Into Evidence Climate change is frequently discussed through political, economic, or ideological lenses. Yet the evidence supporting its existence and impacts comes from a different source entirely: science. For decades, researchers have documented rising global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and increasing climate-related risks. […]
Skål International Paris is proud to partner with IFTM 2026, one of the leading trade events for tourism and travel professionals. Join us from 15 to 17 September 2026 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, and visit our stand in Village France. Over three exciting days, the exhibition will bring together industry […]
Italy’s Premier Tourism Marketplace and a Meeting Point for the European Skål Community Every year, the European tourism industry gathers at a number of major trade events that help shape business relationships, market trends and future opportunities. Among these, TTG Travel Experience, taking place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the […]
As aviation and tourism become increasingly interconnected, Skål Europe is launching a new forum dedicated to exploring how airlines, destinations and tourism stakeholders can work together to build a more sustainable and regenerative future for travel. Hosted by Skål Bucharest, the Skål Europe Airline Sustainability Forum 2026 will bring together tourism professionals, […]
Why airlines may have a bigger role in the future of tourism than simply transporting passengers Aviation is often at the centre of discussions about tourism sustainability. Most of these conversations focus on reducing emissions, improving aircraft efficiency and accelerating the adoption of new technologies. These remain essential priorities, but are they […]
Why connectivity, destinations and tourism share a common responsibility Part of the Skål Europe Editorial Series on Regenerative Tourism. 1. Aviation Beyond Transportation On a summer morning, the first aircraft lands on a Mediterranean island. Within minutes, visitors disperse across the destination. Some will stay in family-run hotels, others will rent cars, […]
As part of its commitment to supporting innovation, sustainability, and the next generation of tourism professionals, Skål Europe recently invited clubs across the continent to share their experiences and initiatives related to Sustainability, ESG principles, and Young Skål engagement. The responses received provide a valuable snapshot of the activities currently being undertaken […]
Join Skålleagues from around the world in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, for the Skål International World Congress 2026. From 29 September to 2 October 2026, tourism and hospitality professionals will gather to network, exchange ideas, participate in the Annual General Assembly, and celebrate the spirit of “Doing Business Among Friends.” Event […]
The introduction of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) marks one of the most significant changes to travel procedures in Europe in recent decades. Designed to modernise border management through the use of digital records and biometric identification, EES aims to enhance security while creating a more efficient framework for international travel. […]
From 29 September to 2 October 2026, tourism and hospitality professionals from around the world will meet in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, for the Skål International World Congress 2026. Hosted at the Boardwalk Hotel, Casino and Convention Centre in Gqeberha, this flagship annual event represents the most important gathering on the […]
TTG Travel Experience is Italy’s leading B2B tourism marketplace and one of the most important travel industry events in the Mediterranean region. Every year, it brings together tourism boards, destinations, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, hospitality companies, technology providers and innovative tourism businesses to shape the future of the industry. For three […]
After four years at the helm of Skål Germany, outgoing President Jo Jungwirth reflects on a mandate defined by transformation, generational renewal, and global engagement. From navigating internal challenges to strengthening international connections, his presidency has been marked by a clear ambition: to modernise the organisation while preserving its core values of […]
On 25 March 2026 at 18:00 CET, the Skål Europe Academy hosted an insightful online session exploring the strategic role of tourist guides in responsible tourism. Featuring Sarah Janning-Picker, Skål member and Area Representative of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, the webinar highlights how professional guides contribute to quality, cultural […]
Location: Naples, Irpinia and Sannio (Campania, Italy)Type: Educational Tour / FAM TripTarget: Skal tour operators and travel professionals Event Overview Skal Europe members are invited to join an Educational Tour dedicated to Accessible and Sustainable Tourism in inland Campania, Southern Italy. The initiative is part of the project “Una D.A.M.A. per la […]
Reimagining Travel, Redefining Accessible Tourism What if the future of travel was not defined by where we go, but by who we enable to go there? In an industry searching for balance between sustainability, authenticity, and growth, a new model is quietly emerging in Southern Italy. It begins with a simple but […]
An Interview with Tito Livio Mongelli Regenerative tourism is emerging as a key evolution of global travel, going beyond sustainability to actively restore ecosystems, communities, and local economies. In this conversation with Skal Europe, Tito Livio Mongelli, President of Galileo.it and Skal Italia, shares his perspective on how bioethics can guide the […]
In Italy, history is monumental, tangible, and immediately recognisable, and Italians are used to living in it. When I was a child, the Colosseum used to rise in the middle of traffic. Renaissance masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raffaello fill our museums. Entire towns like Florence, Siena, and Venice are themselves historical […]
In 2026, Skål Club Lugano celebrates an important milestone: its 90th anniversary. Founded in 1936, the club has been an active part of the international Skål network for nearly a century, fostering friendship, professional cooperation, and the development of tourism. To mark this special occasion, Skål Club Lugano invites members and friends […]
In 2026, Skål Club Lugano reaches an important milestone: ninety years of friendship, professional collaboration, and commitment to tourism within the global Skål community. Founded in 1936, Skål Lugano has long been an active part of the international network that brings together tourism professionals to promote friendship, ethical business, and cooperation across […]
The Skål Europe Academy invites members and tourism professionals to an online session dedicated to the strategic role of tourist guides in responsible and regenerative tourism. Our guest speaker will be Sarah Janning-Picker, Skål member and Area Representative of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA), the global organisation representing professional […]
A Skål Europe Academy session with WFTGA on training, standards, and new cooperation opportunities for Skål clubs and tourism professionals. A conversation with Tito Livio Mongelli ahead of the next Skål Europe Academy session On 25 March 2026 at 18:00 CET, the Skål Europe Academy will host an online session dedicated to […]
In March 2026, Skål International Vienna will celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 90 years since its foundation in 1934. Over nearly a century, the club has played a vital role in bringing together tourism professionals, fostering international friendship, and contributing to the development of the industry in Austria and beyond. This anniversary is […]
A Strategic Opportunity for Skål Europe and Its Members Tourism in Europe is evolving within an increasingly complex framework shaped by sustainability objectives, digital transformation, skills development, and European policy. For Skål Europe and its national clubs, this evolution represents not only a challenge but a strategic opportunity to reinforce leadership, relevance, […]
Reflections from the International Tourism Forum – Milan, 23–24 January 2026 The 3rd International Tourism Forum, held in Milan on 23–24 January 2026 and organised under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Tourism, offered an important opportunity to reflect on how tourism policy is being shaped for the coming decade. The […]
On 16 January 2026, the Skål Europe Board held its first meeting of the year, marking the start of a new cycle of initiatives aimed at strengthening member value, visibility, and impact across Europe. The discussion focused on how Skål Europe can best support clubs and members in a fast-changing tourism environment, […]
Hotel & Restaurant Meetings is the leading One to One business exhibition dedicated to solutions, services, products, equipment, furniture, and interior and exterior design for 4- and 5-star hotels and premium restaurant establishments. Taking place on 27, 28 and 29 January 2026 at the Palacio de Congresos, Ferias y Exposiciones de Marbella, […]
Skål International Germany warmly invites Skål colleagues from Germany and abroad to join the German Skål Days 2026, taking place from Friday, 17 April to Sunday,19 April 2026 in the vibrant and historic city of Berlin. This exclusive three-day event blends Skål fellowship, official meetings, high-level networking, and cultural discovery, offering participants […]
Turning Commitment into Action at Club Level Understanding the Project Sustainability has become a defining issue for tourism worldwide, and Skål has long recognised its responsibility to promote ethical, responsible and forward-looking tourism practices. Across the Skål world, many clubs are already active in sustainability—sometimes formally, sometimes informally—through local initiatives, partnerships and […]
Tourism is at a turning point. Across Europe and beyond, destinations are facing mounting pressure from climate change, resource scarcity, social tension and economic volatility. In this context, simply maintaining tourism activity — or reducing its negative impacts — is no longer sufficient to secure long‑term viability. Recently, Skål Europe has published […]
A New Frontier for Tourism That Gives Back As the global travel industry continues to evolve in response to environmental and social change, a new paradigm is emerging that goes beyond sustainability: Regenerative Tourism. This concept challenges us not only to preserve destinations and communities, but to actively enhance them, leaving places […]
Why Creating Lasting Value Matters More Than One-Off Good Deeds In many destinations today, tourism is accompanied by gestures of goodwill. Visitors join beach clean-ups. Businesses plant trees. Donations are made to local causes. Short-term projects are launched with the best of intentions. These actions matter. They raise awareness, create moments of […]
What Changes in Practice When Tourism Becomes Regenerative For a long time, the tourism sector has tried to improve by learning how to do less harm. Energy efficiency became a priority. Waste was reduced. Emissions were measured. Visitor flows were managed more carefully. These efforts were necessary, and in many places they […]
When Long-Term Viability Matters More Than Short-Term Growth For decades, tourism has been one of Europe’s strongest economic engines. It has generated employment, supported regional development and connected cultures across borders. Growth was the dominant indicator of success: more visitors, more nights, more revenue. Today, that model is under strain. Across Europe, […]
Imagining Tourism That Strengthens Places Over Time Tourism remains a vital presence, visible, vibrant, and economically relevant. Cafés are open, guides are working, and hotels are occupied. Yet something feels different. The destination does not appear strained. It feels balanced, lived-in, confident in its own rhythm. Tourism no longer dominates the place. […]
When Change Is Driven by People, Not Badges Over the past two decades, tourism has increasingly relied on labels, certifications and global standards to demonstrate responsibility. Sustainability seals, rankings and benchmarks have multiplied, offering reassurance to markets and guidance to businesses. These tools have played a useful role. They have raised awareness, […]
On a summer afternoon in a historic European city, a resident watches yet another group of visitors pass beneath her window. Tourism brings life, employment, and cultural exchange—but it also brings noise, pressure on housing, and a feeling of loss of control. Across Europe, similar scenes unfold in cities, coastal regions, rural […]
Legal and Policy Framework, and Key EU Initiatives Tourism, Sustainability and the Role of the European Union Tourism is not regulated as a standalone policy area under European Union law. Instead, the EU plays a supporting and coordinating role, complementing the actions of Member States while shaping the broader legal and economic […]
Best Practices from Europe, for Europe On a quiet morning in a rural European destination, visitors gather not around a queue, but around a story. A local guide explains how tourism income helped restore a landscape, revive a tradition, or sustain a community. Nothing here feels spectacular—and yet, everything feels intentional. This […]
Skål continues to demonstrate its strong presence and influence within the Spanish tourism sector. The 2026 edition of the list of the 150 most influential tourism professionals in Spain has been published, and this year’s ranking brings particularly positive news for the Skål community. Seven Skål members have been included in the […]
FITUR Madrid 2026 is just around the corner, and Skål Europe is delighted to invite all Skålleagues attending the fair to come together for one of the most important tourism events of the year. From 21 to 25 January 2026, Madrid will once again host the global tourism community — and Skål […]
An interview with Laurent Quiege, President of Skal International Paris After a year marked by transformation, innovation, and renewed focus on communication in tourism, Skal Europe sat down with Laurent Quiege, President of Skal International Paris. With more than 25 years of experience in the tourism industry, a strong background in innovation […]
Skål International will once again have a strong presence at FITUR Madrid, one of the world’s leading international tourism trade fairs, taking place from 21 to 24 January 2026. Skål members are warmly invited to visit the Skål Stand (10A14) and take part in a week of networking, business exchange, and international […]
On 20 March 2026, SKÅL International Vienna will proudly celebrate its 90th anniversary, marking nine decades of friendship, professionalism, and commitment within the global tourism community. Founded in 1936, SKÅL International Vienna has been a cornerstone of international networking and collaboration in tourism, consistently promoting the values of trust, sustainability, and excellence […]
The PLACE2GO International Tourism Fair 2026, taking place in Croatia from 20 to 23 March 2026, stands as the country’s largest and most influential tourism event. First launched in 2012, the fair has evolved into a major regional hub where destinations, travel professionals, and tourism brands converge to showcase their offerings. Over […]