One of the proudest and most meaningful milestones for Skål International Cape Town has been our contribution to the development of future tourism professionals through the launch of the Tourism Student Subsidy 2025/26.
As a founding association of Tourism ConneX, Skål International Cape Town has played an integral role in bringing this initiative to life — a collaborative funding effort born from the momentum and success of Tourism ConneX. This programme stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the tourism industry comes together with a shared vision for growth, empowerment, and sustainability.
The Tourism Student Subsidy has been designed to recognise and support students who demonstrate a strong commitment to the tourism industry, show clear leadership potential, actively contribute to their communities, and align with the vision of building a skilled, passionate, and future-focused tourism workforce.
This vision was brought to life during the WTM Africa Skål International Cape Town Gala Evening and Skål South Africa Awards, where four deserving students from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) were awarded the subsidy:
The bursaries were proudly presented by Skål International Cape Town Past President and SISA Senior Vice President Dawn Smith, alongside Skål International Cape Town Vice President Aimee Lentz. We extend our sincere appreciation to both for their time, commitment, and the significant effort they have invested in driving this initiative forward.
A special thank you is also extended to their lecturer and Skål International Cape Town Committee Member, Michaela Crowe, for her support, guidance, and continued dedication to developing and mentoring the next generation of tourism professionals.
This moment was not only a celebration of student achievement but also a reflection of Skål International Cape Town’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent, creating opportunity, and investing in the future of tourism.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to our valued partners and sponsors — Women in Tourism, Cape Town Tourism, and The Diamond Works — whose generous support made this initiative possible. Your contribution is a meaningful investment in both education and the long-term sustainability of our industry.
At its core, this initiative reflects the true spirit of Skål — bringing people together to create lasting impact.
