When I arrived in South Africa many years ago to start up Destination Africa in the country, one of the very first people I met was the legendary, the one and only, the world renown, Niel Els. Niel welcomed me into the warm, connected world of Skål International, introducing me to the spirit of camaraderie shared by tourism professionals across the globe. When Niel passed away earlier this year, I got messages from all around the world, many from people I do not know personally. All of them offering sympathy to his family and colleagues.
Soon after, I joined him at the Skål World Congress in Málaga, where I had the privilege of meeting incredible people from every corner of the industry. That experience cemented my belief in the power of “doing business among friends” Skål’s timeless motto.
Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of building friendships through Skål that span continents and careers. Just last week, I was with Skål Nairobi to witness our colleague Judy’s induction as she joined my partner Duncan and our other team members already in the club. It was a proud moment that reminded me of how deeply woven Skål has become into the fabric of Destination Africa.
Today, our presence within Skål spans many chapters:
- I’m with Garden Route, South Africa
- Leana and Tracy are in Cape Winelands, South Africa
- Liana and Chris in Cape Town, South Africa
- Duncan, Ian, Nicole, and Judy in Nairobi, Kenya
- Desale in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- And Øyvind in Bergen, Norway
While politics and religion divide us, tourism and Skål has a rare power to unite us. Friendship. Unity. Business among friends. That’s the Skål way.
Rune Engstrøm – Managing Director – Destination Africa
This year, the World Congress takes place in Cusco, Peru, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming the Skål family to Mandela Bay, South Africa in 2026. It’s going to be something special.
If you work in tourism and haven’t yet explored the world of Skål, I encourage you to find your nearest club. Head on over to Skål South Africa or find a club in your Country. Connecting travel and tourism professionals all around the world since 1934. Head on over to https://skalcapetown.org/
Milestones That Matter: Skål Cape Town’s Global Step Forward
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Skål International Cape Town on their official twinning with Skål International Bonn. This partnership reflects the true spirit of Skål—fostering global friendships and strengthening ties across borders. 🇿🇦🤝🇩🇪
With celebrations held in both Germany and South Africa, the twinning marks a meaningful step forward in promoting unity, collaboration, and sustainable tourism between chapters.
Here’s to new connections, shared initiatives, and a future built on friendship and mutual growth. Skål! 🥂
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