Pattaya, Thailand will host the 67th Skål World Congress

Many exciting events are scheduled at the 67th Skål International World Congress that will take place in Pattaya, Thailand on 15-20 October 2006.

Skål, founded as an international association in 1934, is the largest organisation of travel and tourism professionals in the world, embracing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry; hoteliers, travel agents, airline executives, those working for the tourism media and training for the many other branches of the industry.

In the 89 countries and 480 locations where Skål exists, members are encouraged to network with each other, in line with the recent motto of “Doing Business among Friends” Skål Congresses are considered as the ideal meeting platform for the members from around the world, not only to have a fun week together but also to enjoy the privileges of being members of this prestigious organisation.

Business to Business Workshop

For the first time this year the Tourism Forum during the 67th Skål World Congress will take the form of a Business to Business workshop and will be held on Wednesday 18 October 2006. To facilitate prior appointments for this workshop a list of participants attending the Congress is now available on the Skål International website www.skal.org go to Congress” and then to “Pattaya”

A table and four chairs will be available, free of charge, to every country represented by a Skålleague attending the Congress. Additional tables and chairs are available at a cost of €50.00. A number of keynote speakers will also address those attending the workshop on topics of interest to the travel and tourism industry. The Forum is open to all participants to the Congress.

5th Ecotourism Awards Ceremony

One of the important highlights of the Congress will be the Ecotourism Awards Ceremony that will take place during the Opening Ceremony on Monday, October 17th in the presence of all the participants, local dignitaries and representatives of the media.

Skål International, following the United Nations declaration of 2002 as the Year of Ecotourism and the Mountains, launched the Skål International Ecotourism Awards to highlight and recognise global best practices. Skål values sustainable development in tourism as the key to the industry’s future success and considers Ecotourism as one of the main areas of sustainable development.

For this year’s competition 50 entries have been received from 26 Countries in six different categories; accommodation rural & urban, tour operators, General Countryside, Cities-Villages and Educational Programs. The evaluation is done by three independent judges from important Institutions/Organisations dealing with Eco and Sustainable tourism. The names of previous years’ judges as well as winners of earlier years can be found on the Skål website.

Programme Highlights

Both the local authorities and Skål Members in Pattaya and Thailand are working very hard to put together a memorable congress. The programme as well as the information on pre and post congress tours and an online registration form can be found on the following hyperlink http://www.skal.org/congresos /pattaya2006/pattaya06.asp?idioma=I

Wherever Skål Congresses are hosted – the event becomes a major highlight in the city and the members witness a “red carpet” treatment and enjoy remarkable hospitality at exquisite venues giving them the opportunity of exploring in depth the Country where the event is hosted.

The National Carrier THAI Airways is offering 75 % discount in economy and 50 % in Business Class for members and 50 % in both classes for spouses. The Headquarters Hotel, Royal Cliff Beach Resort is a luxurious modern resort with all amenities, right next to the recently built state-of-the-art PEACH Convention Centre.

In addition the IT&CMA and CTW (Incentive Travel & Convention, Meetings Asia and Corporate Travel World) Exhibition, organised by TTG Asia will be held in Pattaya, Thailand from 10–12 October 2006. IT&CMA, CTW and Skål International have agreed a joint marketing project for both Congresses.

TTG will provide complimentary Trade Visitor badges for all registered 67th SKÅL World Congress participants which will permit entry to the IT&CMA & CTW trade exhibition on 12 October 2006 (Thursday) as well as complimentary accommodation in any hotel in Pattaya for the first 100 outbound tour operators who register for the 67th Skål World Congress for those who arrive on 11-12 October OR 12-13 October

More information on Skål International and the Congress can be found at www.skal.org

Please contact

Mr Andrew J Wood

Skål International Councillor- Thailand
Email : [email protected]