Dear Cape Town Skålleagues,
As we push ahead into this new year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to each of you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to Skål International Cape Town. It is through your active participation and engagement that our club continues to grow and thrive.
I am honoured to serve as your President for 2025, alongside an exceptional committee that is dedicated to upholding the values of Skål international and ensuring that our club remains a pillar of professional growth and industry collaboration. Thank you for entrusting us with this responsibility. We look forward to working with you to strengthen our networks, create valuable opportunities, and continue to make a meaningful impact in tourism.
LOOKING AHEAD: A YEAR OF GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY
We entered 2025 with a strong foundation, having been recognised as the Best Skål International Club in South Africa. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our members, committee, and industry partners who continue to strengthen our club’s impact.
Adding to this celebration, Cape Town has been named the Best City in the World for 2025 by Time Out Magazine – a prestigious recognition that reinforces our city’s global appeal. As tourism professionals, we have a responsibility and opportunity to showcase Cape Town’s incredible hospitality, unique experiences, and strong industry network.
Our club will continue to lead, innovate, and create opportunities, both for our members and for the growth of Cape Town as a leading travel destination.
This year, our strategic focus will be guided by the following key objectives:
STRENGTHENING MEMBERSHIP & EXPANDING OUR NETWORK: We will actively work to attract new members, welcoming professionals from across the tourism sector while ensuring current members find continued value in their Skål journey.
SUPPORTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS & INDUSTRY GROWTH: The future of tourism depends on the next generation. We are committed to engaging young professionals, encouraging their involvement, and creating pathways for long-term participation in Skål (and building careers in tourism).
ENHANCING SKÅL CAPE TOWN’S INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE: Our club has an important role to play on the global stage. We will actively participate in international Skål initiatives and events, including the Skål International World Congress in Peru, while also using local platforms to attract international members to our networking opportunities.
ALIGNING WITH SKÅL SOUTH AFRICA FOR A STRONGER NATIONAL VOICE: Working closely with the Skål South African National Committee, we will ensure that our club benefits from a unified national presence, strengthening our influence within the broader tourism landscape – and using the channels available to have an international voice for our members.
DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY & INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP: Skål International is an affiliate member of UNWTO, partners with sustainability organisations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promotes responsible tourism through its Sustainable Tourism Awards and global initiatives. In line with these affiliations, we will explore opportunities to leverage international networks and resources to support our members and align our club’s efforts with best practices.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR JANUARY EVENT
Skål International Cape Town began the new year with a landmark event, welcoming new leadership, introducing new members, and setting ambitious goals for the year ahead. The cocktail gathering, hosted at the CPUT Granger Bay Hotel School, was the largest first-of-the-year event in the club’s history. With the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island, members and guests came together to celebrate new beginnings and strengthen professional relationships.
Meet our New Members: From all of us at Skål International Cape Town, we wish you an incredible Skål journey ahead.
Left to Right: Skål Cape Town Vice President Aimee Lentz, Brenda Dornbrack, Tinodaishe Magodoro, Hayley Burger and Skål Cape Town President Johan Van Schalkwyk.
KEY EVENTS & EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES IN 2025
11 February business lunch at The Fountains Hotel: We kick off our 2025 networking calendar with our first business lunch hosted at The Fountains Hotel, perfectly located in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD at 1 St Georges Mall.
The hotel provides a fantastic setting to reconnect, build new professional relationships, and learn more about the hospitality landscape in Cape Town. We are also delighted to continue our Skål toast tradition, with Stellenbosch Hills as our toast partner for the afternoon.
Make sure you don’t miss out on this excellent networking opportunity – and remember to invite a professional guest from the tourism industry to experience the Skål spirit firsthand!
MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENTS & INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
Throughout the year, Skål International Cape Town hosts regular networking events, business lunches, and exclusive industry gatherings. These events are designed to provide members with valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, and strengthen business ties.
We encourage all members to bring along industry colleagues, potential members, and key stakeholders to experience the benefits of Skål networking and professional camaraderie.
2025 CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS: Alongside our monthly networking sessions, we have an exciting line-up of major events already confirmed, including:
February – Skål Cape Town Presidential Visit to Meetings Africa: Our President will attend Meetings Africa, engaging with Skål Pretoria and national industry leaders to strengthen our national network and industry influence.
10 April – WTM Africa Skål Event: One of the biggest Skål networking events of the year! Taking place during WTM Africa, this sell-out event is a must-attend opportunity for connecting with Skål members from across the world.
23 October – Skål Cape Town Golf Day: Hosted at Milnerton Golf Club, this premier event will offer great company, industry connections and a day of golf – mingling with professionals in the wider tourism sector.
Industry Workshop – A Fresh & Reimagined Format: A major event designed to bring together tourism products in a buyer and supplier marketplace – and in 2025 we will expand the event to bring along tourism leaders, industry stakeholders, and Skål members to discuss trends and opportunities in the travel and hospitality sector.
Skål Cape Town Gala Night & President’s Ball: A date TBC, but certainly a highlight of the Skål social calendar. This event will be an evening of celebration, recognition, and camaraderie, bringing members together to honour achievements and enjoy an unforgettable evening.
Skål International World Congress – Peru: Cape Town will proudly represent South Africa at this prestigious global gathering, ensuring that our members and our city continue to have a strong international presence. The World Congress is set for 25 to 30 September 2025. Member participation is highly recommended.
With such an exciting year ahead, we invite you all to take full advantage of these opportunities, engage actively, and help us make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and success.
Looking forward to seeing you all at The Fountains Hotel on 11 February!
MEMBERSHIP FEES: ENSURING A STRONG YEAR AHEAD
A gentle reminder to all members to settle their membership fees on time. This is essential for the smooth running of our club, allowing us to:
Thank you for your co-operation in ensuring our club remains strong, well-organised, and focused on delivering value to our members.
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR 2025 COMMITTEE
Behind every successful Skål club is a dedicated team of individuals working tirelessly to ensure members benefit from engaging experiences and meaningful industry connections. I am proud to introduce your 2025 Skål Cape Town Committee:
President: Johan van Schalkwyk
Vice President: Aimee Lentz
Secretary: Anne Lamb
Committee Members:
Dawn Smith, Carol Bayne, Imike Crouse, Karin Anne Schmidt, Kevin Robinson, Rue Zimuto, Hiliary van Wyk, Heinz Erwee and Martie Malan.
Left to Right: Heinz Erwee, Imike Crouse, Hilary van Wyk, Karin Anne Schmidt, Anne Lamb, Carol Bayne, Vice President Aimee Lentz, Dawn Smith, Kevin Robinson, Rue Zimuto and President Johan van Schalkwyk.
Each of us is committed to making 2025 a successful year for Skål Cape Town, and we encourage you to engage with us, share your ideas, and get involved in shaping our club’s future.
2025 Skål International Cape Town Committee Photo
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Let’s Do Business Among Friends
Skål is built on the foundation of friendship and collaboration, and as we step into a new year full of possibilities, I invite you all to make the most of the opportunities, connections, and experiences that our club offers.
I look forward to working alongside you all and making 2025 a year of growth, success, and meaningful connections. Let us continue to support one another, grow our networks, and champion Cape Town’s tourism sector – locally, nationally, and globally.
To a year of prosperity, camaraderie, and opportunity.
Skål!
Johan van Schalkwyk
President
Skål International Cape Town
