Skal conference gives major boost to Thailand tourism

Thailand’s tourism sector has received a major boost from Skal International – the world’s oldest and largest tourism industry networking organization.

Senior Skal members from more than 30 countries have attended a series of meetings and workshops at The Rembrandt Hotel in Bangkok as part of the mid-year gathering of International Skal Councillors. Members of Skal International’s global Executive Committee, headed by President Karine Coulanges, were also in Bangkok. Skal is this year celebrating its 80 anniversary.

At a celebration dinner on Saturday 31 May at The Rembrandt Hotel’s Da Vinci restaurant, guest of honor Khun Siripakorn Cheawsamoot – Director of The Americas Market Division at the Tourism Authority of Thailand – said that the decision by Skal to stage these meetings in Bangkok, despite recent political events, was an important signal to business and leisure travelers that Thailand remains open for business.

The business and social events were organized by Skal International Bangkok. Club President Dale Lawrence, who also serves as Skal’s national President, said, “The Skal events in Bangkok have given Thailand’s tourism sector a huge boost. Importantly, our international guests are now returning to influential source markets around the world with the positive message that Thailand is a safe and secure destination for business and leisure travelers.”

Skal International has nearly 17,000 members in 400 clubs across 87 nations and territories. Skal International Bangkok was formed in 1956 and is one of six active clubs in Thailand.

PHOTO (L-R): Dale Lawrence; Bernard Whewell (Australia); Brinley Waddell, International Councillor for Thailand; Karine Coulanges (France); Khun Siripakorn Cheawsamoot (TAT); Keith Murcott, President – International Skal Councillors (South Africa); Paul Follows (UK); Susanna Saari (Finland) and Eric Hallin – GM at The Rembrandt Hotel and former Skal Bangkok President.