Dear Skålleagues,

“Tourism - Celebrating Diversity” is this year’s theme for World Tourism Day that will be celebrated on 27 September in Ghana . The theme focuses on the world’s cultural wealth and the important role sustainable tourism plays in revitalising local traditions and making them flourish as they cross other cultures. Coinciding perfectly with my Presidential theme “Bridging the cultures” I wanted to take the opportunity to stress once again the important role Skål members, leaders in world tourism, can play in that respect. 

I strongly believe that we can design our programmes in such a way as to facilitate cultural and social interaction between locals and travellers and promote sustainable development of the industry whilst conserving its unique facets.

Every region of the world is distinct and has something both to offer and gain through travel and tourism. It is the responsibility of industry stakeholders to harness these opportunities and benefit from the “Diversity” that has indeed been the main motive behind travel and tourism for centuries.

Moreover, through this journey we, the Skål Members worldwide, whilst bridging cultures can assume the role of being  “Ambassadors of Peace” in bringing people from different regions closer which can only help to foster increased understanding towards world peace.

Finally, to live the greatest personal experience of “Celebrating Diversity” , if you have not yet registered to attend the 70^th Skal World Congress in Budapest from 1-6 November 2009, I invite you wholeheartedly to join us and meet the members of our great Skål Family coming  from all corners of the world and benefit from their companionship.

Wishing you all Health, Happiness, Friendship and Long Life!

SKÅL

Hülya Aslantas
President