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 in Stockholm, where one of Skål’s oldest clubs is demonstrating that a proud history and a forward-looking approach can reinforce one another.
Founded in 1933 as Club No. 6, Skål International Stockholm today brings together more than 100 tourism professionals. Its candidacy reflects not only membership growth, but also an active programme, strong international relationships and an ambition to strengthen Skål throughout the Nordic and Baltic region.
We spoke with Club President Henrik Johansson.
Nearly a Century of Skål History
Henrik, Skål International Stockholm has been part of the movement almost from its beginning. What does that history mean to the club today?
Our club was founded on 29 November 1933, and we are very proud to be Skål Club No. 6. We preserve this history carefully. At every Board meeting, we still use the Chairman’s gavel dating from 1934.
For us, however, history is not only something to commemorate. It gives us a responsibility to keep the club active, relevant and ready for the future.
Growth Through Participation
Stockholm is one of five clubs worldwide nominated for Skål Club of the Year 2026. What achievements contributed to the nomination?
Our club has grown rapidly and now has well over 100 members from across the tourism industry. They represent different generations, professional backgrounds and levels of experience.
Growth is important, but retention and participation matter just as much. We are particularly proud that our members remain involved, enthusiastic and willing to contribute to the life of the club.
How do you maintain that level of engagement?
We organise 13 or 14 events each year, covering different sectors of tourism. Among the highlights are our traditional crayfish party in Stockholm’s Old Town in August and our Christmas cruise in December.
We involve members in planning future activities and encourage newer members to organise events, often at their own venues. When members help shape the programme, the club becomes something they create together rather than simply attend.
Building a Nordic-Baltic Network
International cooperation appears to be an important part of Stockholm’s identity. How is the club developing these relationships?
In 2025, Skål International Stockholm initiated the first Nordic-Baltic meeting. The intention is for it to become an annual gathering rotating among participating clubs.
The next meeting will take place in Helsinki in October 2026, alongside the club’s 90th anniversary. We believe regional cooperation can create stronger relationships, more frequent exchanges and new opportunities for members.
Twinning as an Active Relationship
Stockholm also has several twinned clubs. What value does twinning bring?
We are twinned with Helsinki, Tallinn, Turku and Rome. During the 90th anniversary celebrations of Skål International Luxembourg in 2025, we also formalised our fifth twinning relationship.
Twinning should be more than a ceremonial agreement. At its best, it creates lasting connections between clubs and encourages visits, shared initiatives and genuine friendships across borders.
Sustainability Through the Tourism Community
How does sustainability feature in the club’s activities?
Many of our members represent tourism companies with substantial sustainability commitments, including hospitality, transport, attractions and aviation businesses.
The club also supports Gameng and its work with Tourism Value Systems for destinations. Sustainability is important to our members because tourism organisations have both the capacity and the responsibility to contribute to better destinations.
Communication and Visibility
You have been successful in attracting new members. How do you communicate with members and prospective Skålleagues?
We use Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to communicate our activities and reach potential members. We also direct members to the international Skål website for news from across the organisation.
Visibility helps people understand that Skål is an active professional community, but our events and personal relationships ultimately turn that interest into participation.
Looking Beyond Stockholm
What comes next for Skål International Stockholm?
Our immediate programme includes the crayfish party in the Old Town, followed by preparations for the 85th Skål International World Congress in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Our longer-term ambition extends beyond Stockholm. Historic clubs in cities such as Gothenburg, Malmö, Copenhagen and Oslo have closed over the years. We believe the wider Skål community should help create the conditions for genuine clubs to return in these important Scandinavian destinations.
Reopening them will require local leadership and sustained commitment, but rebuilding the Skål network in the region would be an achievement we could all share.
An Old Club Looking Forward
Stockholm’s story illustrates how institutional heritage can remain alive when it is supported by participation, renewal and international cooperation. Its Club of the Year nomination recognises a club that values its history while continuing to expand its membership, regional relationships and ambitions for the future.
The Skål Club of the Year 2026 will be announced during the Skål International World Congress in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
Skål International Europe wishes Skål International Stockholm every success and will continue this series by introducing the other European candidates.
