Skål International Bombay October News
World Tourism Day 2020
Skål International Bombay recognized 27th September 2020, as an important opportunity to spread positivity and reinforce the values of Skål International. Videos were shared of eminent Skålleagues from the Club, with a personalized message for the Tourism industry.
2 teaser posts were shared on 24th and 26th September, carrying forward the creative shared by Sk. Fiona, with a hint of the messages to come.
Videos of the following Skålleagues were shared, with their words:
Sk. Sushil Bhatt, President, Skål International Bombay (144): "Our industry is impacted the most… Having seen many ups and downs, we are confident, have learned to bounce back by adapting ourselves in all conditions’.
Sk. Carl Vaz, 1st Vice President, Skål International India: "My best wishes to all of you. Sentiments may be down, but remember, when things are down, the only way is back up. A big thank you to our sponsors, I too have been a sponsor, and your support to our industry is much appreciated".
Sk. Rahim Aslam, Founder & Consultant, OneAbove Global: "We recognize the unity and attitude to survive, shown by the tourism fraternity".
Sk. Nagsri Sashidhar, Chief Happiness Officer, NAGSRI: "Our industry is all about relationships, about being genuine, being that one force…".
Sk. Paramjit Bawa, Country Manager - India, Destination New South Wales: "Spread positivity, spread light. Be a torch – light that bulb!".
Sk. Ellona Pereira, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager, Aviareps: "Travel heals the deepest of wounds, unlike anything else…".
Sk. Pranav Kapadia, Co-founder & Partner, Global Destinations: "Rise every time you fall", quoting Nelson Mandela...
Skål International Bombay Annual General Meeting
Skål International Bombay hosted its’ Annual General Meeting on 8th September. The event was well attended and received by the members. Some highlights from the meeting:
Membership increased by 12% in 2020 over 2019.
Events were held in September, October, November, December, January.
Adapting to the Government restrictions, led to regular virtual events were held in March, June, July, August, and September.
PR was focused on social media, to develop story opportunities for our members, to develop their trusted voice in tourism.
Sponsorship raised a historic 8.56 lakhs in cash and 4.35 lakhs in kind for the Club, with eminent sponsors being recognized – AirAsia, Aviareps, Destination Canada, Emirates Airlines, Blade Helicopters, Global Destinations, Oman Air, PayU, Shangri-La Group and VisitBritain.
CSR contributed to 2 causes in the term – SVVR NGO working with differently-abled children and AccessLife working with children fighting cancer.
Treasurer’s report was well-received, and confirmed the Club’s audited books were in good order. President Sk. Sushil, took the opportunity to announce the membership renewal offer, where only the expenses of fees to National, Asia and International would be charged to members, in consideration of the Covid-19 scenario.
The AGM wound up with a round of thanks to the Club’s members and leadership to guide us through tough times.
Sk. Carl moderates industry session at SATTE GenX virtual exhibition
SATTE, South Asia’s largest Travel and Tourism exhibition from the stable of Informa Markets India, hosted SATTE GenX, from 5-6th October 2020.
Sk. Carl moderated the live session on 6th October, in his role as 1st Vice President, Skål International India.
The panel was on the topic: Tourism Associations: Managing a Global Crisis.
International and national association speakers included:
Ms. Pornthip Hirunkate, VP, Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
Mr. Paul Leung, Chairman, Hong Kong Inbound Travel Association.
Mr. Sunil Kumar, President, United Federation of Travel Agents (UFTAA).
Mr. Pranob Sarkar, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
Mr. Pradip Lulla, President, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI).
The event was well attended, and served to continue the Skål International Vision to be a trusted voice in Travel and Tourism.
Skålleagues leading the way to help others
Sk. Suchita Shah and her family were responsible for installing and operating a 600 bed field hospital in the Mumbai racecourse, to serve Covid-19 patients in Mumbai. As of 30th September, the hospital has served at nearly full capacity for 3 months straight, working under the guidance of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Sk. Rishabh Shah and his friends initially set up a fund to support migrant workers leaving the city, raising over Rs. 2 lakhs to provide Covid-19 essential packs to over 5000 individuals and families. With the extension of lockdowns, he and his friends have progressed their good work, to support needy families with food through the month of September and continuing on to raise further funding from their friend circles.
