Seoul wins bid to host largest Tourism Association
Monday 25, October 2010
The city of Seoul was recently selected to host the 73rd SKAL International Congress during SKAL 2010, which took place October 7-13 in Sydney, Australia. SKAL is a professional organization of global tourism leaders and the only one to unite all branches of the travel and tourism industry.
Held annually, SKAL this year welcomed more than 550 participants from over 50 countries during the Sydney event. The selection of the 2012 host city was made during a session of the General Assembly on October 9, with the two competing destinations of Ireland and Korea making a brief presentation prior to the final vote. In the balloting by the 215 delegates present, Korea won by a 138 to 77 margin, marking the first time for Korea to be selected for a full international SKAL congress; a smaller SKAL gathering, the Asia Congress, took place in Incheon in May of 2009.
SKAL International brings together representatives from airlines, cruises, railways, hotels, travel agents, and other tourism-related services. It is the largest association of its kind with 500 branches and 25,000 members representing 125 countries. SKAL also connects private tourism-related businesses to the UN-affiliated World Tourism Organization, providing members with another network and collaborative framework. Leisure tourism companies are able to share information so as to promote development and provide more opportunities to make the 2012 World Congress more meaningful. The association draws its name from the Scandinavian term skal, referring to a toast of friendship and goodwill, and underpinning the spirit in which SKAL seeks to operate.
In securing the SKAL International Congress, Seoul expects to continue to improve its results in providing incentives for international conferences. This effort will help strengthen private organization partnerships, expand bidding-related activities and create a unified bidding support system as well as a national network that will serve as a valuable resource for active marketing.
The SKAL Club of Seoul initiated its bid efforts in 2007 and received strong backing from the cities of Seoul and Incheon through the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) and the Incheon Tourism Organization as well from the national representative, the Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Air.
In preparation of the Seoul bid presentation at Sydney, the STO provided financial aid for the bidding process as well as souvenirs and uniforms for delegation members. Last year, during the SKAL Asia Congress, Seoul hosted a welcome luncheon and provided press material and publicity aimed at the 500 members representing the Asian branches of SKAL, effectively kick-starting the campaign for the world congress bid.
Representing Seoul at the Sydney Congress was Maureen O’Crowley, a Senior Director of the STO. O’Crowley, a long time member of the Seoul SKAL Club, is club auditor and serves on the 2012 World Congress bid committee. Ten members of both the SKAL Clubs of Seoul and Incheon were joined by representatives of the Korea Tourism Organization and the Incheon Tourism Organization
This year, Seoul won the bidding for 16 large-scale international conferences including the 2015 International Congress of Nurses (4000 participants), the 2011 Conference of the International Gastric Cancer Association (2000 participants), and the 2018 International Fiscal Association Annual Congress (2500 participants).
The Seoul Tourism Organization is a joint public/private venture launched by the city and private enterprise in February 2008 with a core mission to promote Seoul as a convention and tourism destination. The Seoul Convention Bureau, a division of the STO, represents Seoul’s meetings industry and business tourism interests.
Latest news
Tourism
Business travelers want latest technology and best gadgets
Auckland Zoo named one of NZ elite tourist attractions
Caribbean and Mediterranean losing beach tourism market to Southeast Asia
Aviation
Boeing: China will lead the Asia Pacific region in new airplane deliveries
British Airways begins installing new seats in Euro Traveller cabin
American Airlines drops free meals on short haul flights
Hospitality
First capsule hostel to open in Antwerp, Belgium
Marriott named to World's Most Innovative Companies List
Marriott Hotels debuts - healthy vending machine
Find the best deals available today
The grey menu on the right is your best friend. Always check before you travel.
Plan your trips with the help of great resources
More and more travellers think that researching and planning a European city break is half the fun and they're not interested in pre-arranged trips or escorted tours. Self-guided tours offer a lot of advantages but require some guidance and good resources.
Clean, green and very pristine
Top 10 most environmentally pure countries
With the recent wild fires, disrupting flights and increasing air pollution, environmental quality is a growing factor in attracting tourists.
Rooftop
Top 15 most spectacular hotel rooftop views
The hotel price comparison site www.trivago.co.uk has put together a list of the fifteen most spectacular hotel rooftop terraces in the world.
Pro city guides
Places by themes
Latest offers, discounts and more...
Accor “3=2 offerâ€Why not extend your stay? 3 nights for the price of 2.
Columbus Direct travel insuranceQuality cover at low prices to customers all around the world.
Priority passAccess VIP lounges no matter where which airline and class you fly.
European City CardsSee more and pay less! Get your "passport" to European cities.
Rail EuropeComfortable and affordable on European trains.
Lonely Planet MagazinePacked with insider knowledge, hints and tips.
Sandemans New Europe City ToursFree walking tours in 13 cities within 9 countries.
Sol Melia WednesdaysSearch your exclusive special offers now for the coming weekend!
TransfersLow-cost shuttle and private transfers in over 70 countries.
IMEX Frankfurt 25-27 MayThe essential worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.
