“Under the Wings of Civilisations”

Antalya, Turkey will host the 68th Skal World Congress

Belek, Antalya will be the host of the 68th Skal World Congress that will take place from 04-09 November 2007. Antalya known as the capital of Turkish Riviera, welcomes about 6 million tourists annually from all over the world. With recently built state of the art resorts, golf courses, and crystal clear beaches stretching from Kemer to Alanya, this unique region called ancient Pamphylia, has hosted many great civilizations, thus this year’s congress theme “Under the Wings of Civilization”

Skal, 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 Skal 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 worldwide, not only to have a fun week together but also to enjoy the privileges of being members of this prestigious organisation.

Many exciting events, social functions and important networking opportunities are planned for the Congress.

6th Ecotourism Awards Ceremony and Workshop on Sustainable Development in Tourism

One of the important highlights of the Congress will again be the Ecotourism Awards Ceremony that will take place during the Opening Ceremony on Monday, 5 November 2007 in the presence of all the participants, local dignitaries and representatives of the media. Skal International, following the United Nations declaration of 2002 as the Year of Ecotourism and the Mountains, launched the Skal International Ecotourism Awards to highlight and recognise global best practices. Skal supports 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. The awards will be presented by the President of Skal International, Litsa Papathanassi.

In line with the President’s theme of “Sustainable Development in Tourism”, Mr. Stefanos Fotiou from UNEP will conduct an interactive workshop on sustainable development on Tuesday, November 6th which is open to all participants

Programme Highlights
The workshop on Sustainable Development in Tourism, will be followed by the Business to Business (B2B) workshop. The General Assembly will be split over two days, Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 November 2007. A special Talent Show is being organised for Monday 5 November 2007 where the more talented Skålleagues will entertain their fellow Skalleagues. A special exhibition is being organised so that talented Skalleagues who can paint, sketch, take photographs, make pottery and other forms of art, can display their work and, with their permission, these items can be sold and the proceeds will go to the Florimond Volckaert Fund. All in all it promises to be an action-packed and fun congress.

Transportation
Turkish Airlines is offering a 25% reduction for Skal members and accompanying persons on all fares with the exception of IT and promotional fares. Sun Express with connections from Germany and the United Kingdom directly to Antalya have agreed a special rate of €265.00 return, taxes included. Reservation requests should be sent to the General Secretariat at [email protected]

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/
antalya2007/antalya07.asp?idioma=I
Wherever Skal 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 68th World Congress will be the third Skal Congress organized in Turkey, after the 1970 and 1993 Istanbul Congresses. Turkish Skålleagues along with the Skalleagues from Antalya are aiming at record registration numbers and all are looking to the pleasure of welcoming friends from all over the world to acquaint them with their beautiful Country and also to develop strong ties and networking opportunities.

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

eTurboNews is one of the official media partners of SKAL.