Ana Maria Mădălina Nicolescu – Skål Bucharest – Special Award

Recognised for her exceptional dedication to the growth of Skål Bucharest Club, contributing significantly to its revitalisation and visibility within the Skål network.

A People-Centric Leader Revitalising Skål Bucharest

Ana Maria Mădălina Nicolescu receives the Skål Europe Special Award for her outstanding contribution to strengthening the human dimension of Skål International Bucharest. Her energy, creativity and dedication have transformed the club into one of the most vibrant, visible and engaging Skål communities in Europe.

As Marketing & PR Manager of Skål Bucharest, Mădălina has become the driving force behind a renewed spirit of collaboration, warmth and camaraderie — the very essence of Skål values. From communication strategy to member engagement and public visibility, her impact has been both remarkable and measurable.

Repositioning Skål Bucharest as a Dynamic, High-Visibility Club

Through consistent, high-quality communication across national tourism media and major social media platforms, Mădălina has significantly increased the club’s visibility at both national and European level. Thanks to her initiatives:

  • membership applications have grown substantially,
  • new partnership opportunities have emerged,
  • the club’s public profile has strengthened across the tourism industry,
  • Skål Bucharest is increasingly recognised as a benchmark for activity and engagement.

Her ability to craft compelling narratives, showcase member achievements and maintain a dynamic online presence has repositioned the club as “the place to be” for tourism professionals seeking community, visibility and shared purpose.

A Champion of Education and Industry–Academia Collaboration

One of Mădălina’s most influential contributions is her central role in the “Hospitality Caravan”, a flagship Skål Bucharest project bridging academia and industry. She has participated in every edition since joining the Board, consistently earning praise from students and faculty alike for her inspiring presentations, professionalism and commitment to youth development.

Her involvement has helped expand the program beyond Bucharest, generating growing interest from universities across Romania and reinforcing Skål’s mission to support education, mentorship and the next generation of tourism leaders.

A Recognised Professional and Academic Achiever

Mădălina’s contribution to tourism extends far beyond Skål. She is the Alumni of the Year of the Academy of Economic Studies — an honour awarded for her leadership in connecting business and academia, and for her role in advancing Romanian tourism at multiple levels.

Her academic background is equally impressive, including:

  • a Master’s Degree in Strategic Hospitality Management from the Academy of Economic Studies in partnership with the prestigious EHL Lausanne,
  • dual Bachelor’s degrees in Tourism Geography and Marketing,
  • a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management and Marketing,
  • certifications such as the IATA Travel Agent diploma and the National Tourist Guide licence.

Her career spans marketing management, PR, sales and luxury tourism consultancy, positioning her as a highly respected professional with a deep understanding of hospitality and destination development.

Building Community, Inspiring Participation

A former Young Skål member who transitioned seamlessly into a leadership role, Mădălina has become a unifying presence within the organisation. She inspires fellow members to engage in:

  • charity initiatives and holiday donation campaigns,
  • academic collaborations and educational events,
  • professional gatherings and industry representation,
  • internal club activities and member support initiatives.

She tirelessly promotes the club’s members, celebrates their achievements, and reinforces the values that bind the Skål community together.

The Human Heart of Skål Bucharest

Ana Maria Mădălina Nicolescu embodies people-centric leadership. She brings Skål’s values to life through empathy, communication, enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to nurturing human connections. Through her vision and dedication, Skål Bucharest has become a stronger, warmer, more visible and more inspiring club — a true community built on trust, professionalism and friendship.

Her impact is undeniable, and her example is a model for Skål clubs across Europe.