Dear Skålleagues,
I trust this message finds you in good spirits following our lively March luncheon at the Woodstock Brewery. It was wonderful to see many familiar faces and equally rewarding to welcome new members into our growing Skål International Cape Town community. Our collective dedication to strengthening both local and international tourism networks, all in the spirit of “business amongst friends,” continues to shine through at every gathering.
Welcoming New Members
Left to Right: Preston Pietersen (Xpert Xplorers), Suzanne van Wyk (Aquila Collection), Kyle Brijder (Bag Drop Technologies), Elna du Preez (Cape Town Free Walking Tours), Johan van Schalkwyk (President of Skål International Cape Town), Elle Mojaje-Bosman (River Lodge), Michelle van Antwerp (Kennings Car Van & Truck Hire), Mandy Mavuso (Aquila Collection) and Darius Joubert (Global Wine Producers)
Representing Skål International Cape Town on the Global Stage
Earlier in March, I had the privilege of representing Skål International Cape Town at the ITB Night in Berlin, where I joined over one hundred tourism professionals from more than twenty nations. This event, hosted by Berlin President Moritz Freise and German President Johannes Jungwirth, provided an excellent platform to showcase our club’s commitment to South Africa’s tourism sector.
While in Berlin, my visit to the South African Embassy gave our club the opportunity to engage with Ambassador Phumelele Stone Sizani and Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, further underscoring Cape Town’s dynamic offerings and the significance of our local clubs membership. Highlighting the strength of our vibrant community to the international market ensures that both our city and our organisation remain visible on the global stage, creating meaningful opportunities to connect and do business together.
Above: Skål Cape Town President Johan Van Schalkwyk with
Ambassador Phumelele Stone Sizani and Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille
ITB BERLIN
During March I also travelled to Bonn and Köln (Cologne), where I met with Skål International Bonn President Annett Reimers and Skål International Germany President Johannes Jungwirth. In Bonn, we explored potential partnerships and new tourism opportunities. Köln added its own charm to the discussions, with its traditions of Kölsch beer and hearty local cuisine bringing Skålleagues together to consider how best to align our efforts for the upcoming Skål World Congresses in Cusco (2025) and Nelson Mandela Bay (2026). These engagements reinforced the immense value of forging genuine, long-lasting friendships that yield tangible business benefits and support the sustainable growth of our industry.
Left to Right: Skål Cape Town President Johan van Schalkwyk and
Skål International Berlin President Moritz Freise
Skål Cape Winelands Celebrates 21 Years
Closer to home, Past Presidents Dawn Smith and Carol Bayne represented Cape Town at the 21st anniversary of our sister club, Skål International Cape Winelands, highlighting how collaboration among local clubs drives tourism growth across the Western Cape.
Left to Right: Past Presidents Dawn Smith and Carol Bayne with
Skål Cape Winelands President Carol Collins
Skålleagues Across the World
Carol also carried the spirit of Skål even further abroad, visiting Skål clubs in both Australia and Indonesia. Her interactions with fellow members around the world helped promote Cape Town’s unique offerings and deepen our network of global friendships. These international encounters remind us that Skål’s principles are universal: fostering friendships that translate into thriving professional relationships.
WTM Africa 2025
Looking ahead, the month of April promises to be a busy and productive period. We look forward to engaging with the world during Africa Travel Week, where Skål International will have a booth at WTM Africa in Cape Town from 9 to 11 April. Members are encouraged to visit our stand and take advantage of the opportunity to interact with both regional and international representatives at this valuable travel trade platform. It is precisely through these face-to-face conversations, grounded in mutual respect and collaboration, that true business partnerships emerge.
Skål International Cape Town WTM Africa Networking Night 2025
We are also gearing up for a dinner event on 10 April to host our International President, Denise Scrafton. Spaces are now extremely limited, and those interested in attending should contact committee member Karin Anne Schmidt to be added to the waiting list. We anticipate a memorable evening of friendship, conversation, and shared goals – hallmarks of what “business amongst friends” truly represents.
Birthday Celebrations
Sustainable Tourism Awards Entry
We are pleased to announce the 24th edition of the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards, recognizing excellence in sustainability across the global tourism industry. This year, we introduce new categories with clear definitions, proposed by the Skål International Sustainability Committee. These enhancements ensure greater clarity and relevance, aligning with the latest sustainability trends.
Key Updates:
Newly defined categories to better reflect industry advancements.
Earlier deadline: 31 May 2025. Submit your entries on time! Mandatory club endorsement: All entries must be supported by a Skål International Club (except government entities).
Judged by an exceptional jury: Once again, an independent panel of highly respected sustainability experts will evaluate the entries.
We encourage public and private sector organisations, NGOs, and educational institutions to participate and showcase their sustainability leadership. Let’s work together to drive positive change in tourism!
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors & Supporters
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors who generously provide raffle prizes for our monthly business lunch, as well as to every member who supports our raffles by purchasing tickets.
These collective efforts enable the Skål International Cape Town Committee to make meaningful contributions to the Skål International Florimond Volckaert Fund, a solidarity aid fund established in 1954 to assist Skålleagues and their immediate families in times of greatest need.
This important fund can provide help for various circumstances, such as:
Please note that this assistance is extended to Skål International members and their immediate families, rather than to member businesses. If you or anyone you know within Skål International is in need, an application can be submitted through our Club President or International Councillor.
Looking Ahead
Finally, on 28 April, we will mark World Skål Day – an occasion to raise a glass in celebration of the rewarding relationships that power our work in the travel and tourism industry. Let us pause to reflect on the progress we have made, the connections we have formed, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing how we can elevate Cape Town’s global profile even further by working together, sharing our insights, and supporting one another’s endeavours. May our collaborative efforts and genuine fellowship continue to bear fruit for our club, our members, and the wider tourism industry.
Skål!
Yours in friendship and tourism,
JOHAN VAN SCHALKWYK
President – Skål International Cape Town
