Skal International Executive Board: New 2021 leadership

The members of the Skal International Executive Board for 2021 are Bill Rheaume, World President from Skal Canada; Burcin Turkkan, Senior Vice President from Skal USA; Fiona Nicholl, Vice President from Skal Australia; Juan Ignacio Steta Gandara, Director from Skal Mexico; Marja Eela-Kaskinen, Director from Skal Finland; Denise Scrafton, ISC President from Skal Australia; and Daniela Otero, CEO from Skal Spain.

The International Executive Board of Skal will prioritize and focus on supporting collective passion for Skal and tourism by furthering global partnerships, developing relationships, and increasing awareness and influence through tourism industry events to increase Skal membership value. 

“As I begin my term as Skal International World President, we are still facing the daunting task of keeping member engagement and interest high while the tourism industry slowly recovers from the devastating outcome of COVID and resulting lockdowns and travel restrictions. The Executive Board is committed to supporting that recovery in every way possible and promoting Skal membership values when the importance of community support is so necessary,” said Bill Rheaume, World President, Skal International.

“Now, with vaccines available, there is finally some light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Our industry must be ready to support the travel companies, airlines, and hoteliers as they fight to survive this unexpected downturn,” he added.

In 2021, Skal international will continue to work closely with UNWTO as Daniela Otero, CEO of Skal International, is an affiliate board member. The organization will also continue close collaboration with other partner associations such as WTTC, PATA, IIPT, The Code, ECPAT, ICTP, and Sustainable Travel Association.

“Governments, organizations, businesses, and ultimately all of us will need to invest the next few months in more training focused on recovery. Working together and collaborating has been, and will continue to be, vital,” said Daniela Otero, CEO of Skal International.

During 2020, Skal International, like every other association worldwide, conducted its meetings in various online platforms as virtual meetings or, in some cases, using the hybrid format. In 2021, this will continue to be the norm for the first 4-6 months. “Our goal in 2021 will be to maximize the visibility of Skal International globally while maintaining an effective and progressive communication internally. We will establish and drive a multi-channel communications strategy, develop a brand voice, and maintain brand integrity across all platforms. We plan on using multiple social and digital media platforms to maximize our presence within the travel and tourism industry,” said Burcin Turkkan, Senior VP responsible for PR/Communications and Digital Media.

As the first International association adopting the Digital Transformation as of 2018, Skal International has technologically-advanced platforms to allow its members to do business virtually using these platforms. “As we are at the second phase of the Digital Transformation, we are working on introducing more advanced technologies and innovative platforms to our global membership,” said Fiona Nicholl, Vice President of Skal International.

Skal International is planning on meeting in October 2021 with its global membership at the Annual Skal International World Congress in Quebec City, Canada. This event could be one of the first global travel and tourism industry meetings after the pandemic. The Congress has an extensive program including B2B events, workshops, guest speakers, welcoming members and non-members from the global travel and tourism Industry.

Skal International is the world’s largest global network of tourism professionals promoting tourism, business, and friendship worldwide since 1934. Its members are directors and executives of the tourism sector who relate to each other to address common interest issues, improving a business network, and promoting destinations. For more information about Skal International and membership, please visit skal.org.

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