SKÅL INTERNATIONAL MALTA

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NEWS Archive

 

30November 2007
Derek Meilak Institute of Tourism Studies student receiving plaque from President SKAL INTERNATIONAL –MALTA, George Schembri (centre) and being congratulated by Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education Mr Frans Borg during ITS Graduation day on Friday 30th November 2007  for Best Student in Hospitality Management Course.
25October 2006
The  67th Skål World Congress which took place in Pattaya,closed on Friday 20th October 2006. It was attended by approximately 650 members and accompanying persons. The Congress was most enjoyable and participants were loud in their praise for the Local Organising Committee.   New SKAL Executive Committee elected  The new Executive Committee of Skål International elected during the 67th Skål World Congress held in Pattaya, Thailand on 15-20 October 2006 President – Skål International  Litsa Papathanassi – Greece Senior Vice President – Hulya Aslantas – Turkey Junior Vice President Philip Sims – New Zealand Directors Nik Racic – Croatia, Tony Boyle – Australia Enrique Quesada Y Barrios – Mexico and John D. Britton – Canada, President of the International Council Lone Ricks – Denmark Secretary General – Jim Power The Auditors elected; Senior Auditor – Yaacov Hartman - Israel Deputy Auditors Nora Cronin – Ireland and Renate Blindheim-Norway David Colin Selley from Bermuda was awarded the distinction of Membre d’Honneur of Skål International Special Congress Newsletter is out :   www.skal.org/pdf/newslet/I/october/p01.pdf
20 June 2006
The  67th Skål World Congress that will take place in Pattaya, Thailand on 15-20 October 2006. For more information link to :www.skal.org/pdf/newslet/I/nlmar06/p01.pdf
August 2006
View and read Skål International Newsletter August edition :<<  Click here >>
03 June 2006
Skål, as an international organization of the industry leaders, represents a powerful force in the travel and tourism industry which can initiate change and encourage higher standards while promoting tourism and travel. The Director Public relations issued a communiqué reminding Skåleauges of the award programmes are an important communication tools within and outside of Skål that reflect the organisations vision. Please find an you up-to-date list of the three major awards schemes and would ask your active participation   ECOTOURISM AWARDS You can find all the information, as well as a press release, by clicking on the following hyperlink http://www.skal.org/html/ecotourism/eco.asp?idioma=I In its 5th year we have a growing interest and as you may have seen in our earlier publications, this year’s award programme is sponsored by the internationally known company EVIAN in addition to Iznik Foundation who sponsor the trophies. Please note once again the deadline for sending entries which is June 30th 2006. We would ask your cooperation in spreading the word around and making sure any potential entries from your areas are sent.   SKAL TOURISM AWARDS Another award scheme we have is the Skål Quality Awards which is presented locally to reward best practices in our respective communities. The manual of the Skål Quality Awards can be found at the following hyperlink http://www.skal.org/pdf/ingles/skål_quality_awards.pdf or under PR documents and is a ready document for any Club who may wish to give out local awards highlighting achievements in Quality. In addition we know that there are several other Skål awards presented locally around the world of which we do not have precise information. By this communication we would like to ask all Clubs who have local awards in place, other than the Quality Award, to give us more information as to the purpose, scope and timing of these awards so we can also post other practices and hopefully come up with other manuals from which the Clubs could benefit.   CLUB OF THE YEAR We have many outstanding Clubs with successful activities and as you all know “Skål Club of the Year Award” has long been our ultimate tool for rewarding best performing clubs. The prestigious trophy prepared by Michael O’Flynn since 1981 is going from Club to Club to mark this achievement, presented during the Gala Dinners of our annual Congresses.  Our Executive Committee has decided to put more emphasis on this activity and to that end we have reviewed the guidelines and calendar for clubs wishing to enter this competition and you will find it attached herewith or posted under PR documents. Evaluating the inputs from the Council Awards committee, we have also agreed on one major change: from Pattaya Congress onwards the Club of the Year award will be presented during the Opening Ceremony and the achievements of the winning club will be highlighted on the stage which will not only show our appreciation and gratitude but this will also add to the learning experience of all other Clubs from such best practices.  In addition to the trophy, on the enclosed document you will find the prizes the first three winners will receive. At the moment these are vouchers for free attendance or registration at the next year’s congresses. We are looking forward to receiving the entries of all Clubs who would qualify with the basic criteria by June 30th . In supporting all the projects mentioned above, let us remember that Skål is our mutual platform where we enjoy the privileges of being members of this prestigious group of tourism professionals.
March 2006 - Malta
New Members inducted into Skål   During a Business Lunch organised at the Westin Dragonara Hotel recently, four members were inducted into Skål International Malta.   National Committee President Frans Camilleri welcomed new members Mr. Hans Cauchi, General Manager Westin Dragonara Resort Hotel, and Mr. Michael Kamsky, Director Sales & Marketing also of Westin Dragonara Resort Hotel, to the St Julian’s Club.   Mr. Dominic Attard, Chief Officer Strategic Planning at Air Malta, and Mr. Norman Hamilton, Managing Director of Hamilton Travel Services Ltd, who were already members were also formally inducted into St Julian’s Club and Valletta Club respectively.   Mr Camilleri fastened the Skål badge to the new members’ jacket lapels and handed over the Skål banner.  He augured that their membership would provide fruitful, and looked forward to seeing them at future activities.     Mr Norman Hamilton (left in picture) receiving the Skål banner	Mr Frans Camilleri welcoming Mr Dominic Attard (left in picture) to St Julian's Club     Mr Hans Cauchi (left in picture) receiving the Skål banner     Mr Frans Camilleri welcoming Mr Michael Kamsky (left in picture) to St Julian’s Club
9th February 2006 - Malta
The wrong strategy in tourism? While there has been a lot of talk recently about the need to attract low-cost airlines to Malta, not everybody is convinced that this would boost tourism immensely.  The not-so-convinced  include two strange bedfellows: Air Malta’s Chairman Mr Lawrence Zammit and BritishJet’s  CEO Mr Robbie Borg.   Speaking during a business lunch organised by Skål International at the Westin Dragonara recently, both airline leaders agreed that low-cost airlines would generate more traffic, but they emphasised that this on its own will not solve Malta’s problems in marketing itself as a destination.   Mr Zammit told travel and tourism professionals that Air Malta is currently operating several destinations at fares which do not even cover direct operating costs.  The cost-revenue gap is so dire that some airlines have even stopped operating. The Air Malta Chairman suggested that, perhaps, it was not Air Malta’s fares and MIA’s charges which were a problem, but something else. He said he was convinced there was a	Air Malta chairman Mr Lawrence Zammit addressing the audience BritishJet CEO Mr Robby Borg addressing the audience
market for Malta’s product, but we are not marketing our potential properly.  If we were, we would have got more mileage out of the fact that over 13 years air fares have gone down by 60 percent.  BritishJet’s CEO described the competition in air transport as “savage”, at the same time that tour operators are cutting down on their programmes. He questioned the strategy being adopted by the Malta Tourism Authority in marketing Malta as an up-market destination, and claimed that there has been too much investment in five-star properties. Mr. Borg returned to criticising Malta International Airport for its alleged high charges, though he also added that Government-induced costs did not help.
16 October 2005 - Zagreb
Joe Borg Olivier inducted as International Councillor   With the formation of a second club in Malta (SI St Julians) and the revival of the SI Valletta, Malta has set up a National Committee with the right to appoint an International Councillor on Skal International.   Joe Borg Olivier who sits on the SI-Malta National Committee has been elected as Malta's first
international Councillor. He attended the first Council Meeting in Zagreb, Croatia where he was inducted by President of International Council, Ms Lone Ricks. Ms Ricks is a well known personality among local Skal members. Joe has served a number of years as a Councillor representing the Mediterranean Area Committee and has also held the post of Internal Auditor of Skal International.
16 - 21 October 2005 - Zagreb
Skål Malta at World Congress   A delegation from Skål International Malta attended the recent 66th World Congress held in Zagreb and Dubrovnik.
The delegation consisted of National President Frans Camilleri, International Councillor Joe Borg Olivier, and Skal Club St Julian’s Honorary Secretary Diana McNamara.   Some 800 delegates from 65 countries attended the Congress.  Apart from discussing the organisation’s business, the delegates witnessed the announcement of Skål’s prestigious Eco-Tourism Awards, adopted a Petition against the sexual exploitation of children in tourism, and attended a Tourism Forum.    The delegates also elected Mr Jan Sunde as Skål’s new President.  Mr Sunde visited the local Clubs last July and was instrumental in the setting up of a National Committee for Malta.
	Mr Jan Sunde, in traditional Norwegian dress, flanked by, from left to right, Mr Michael  McNamara, Mr Joe Borg Olivier, Mrs Rita Camilleri, Mrs Diana McNamara, and Mr Frans Camilleri
The new Executive Committee consists of President Jan Sunde (Bergen), newly-elected Vice President Litsa Papathanassi (Rhodes), Directors Hulya Aslantas, Nik Racic, Philip Simms and newly-elected Tony Boyle (Townsville).  Ms Lone Ricks continues to preside the International Skål Council for another two years.   The delegates also awarded the distinction of Honorary President to Maxwell Kingston, while Keith Coppard, Charles Powers and Carlos Alfonso Gaitan (posthumously) were awarded the distinction of Membre d’Honneur.   The Club of Miami won the coveted Skål Club of the Year Award.   Skål Clubs Malta contributed to the Florimond Volkaert Fund through the donation of a Maltese silver boat and Gozo Glass for a raffle held during the final Gala Dinner.   The next World Congress will be held in Pattaya.
20th October 2005
European Tourism Forum 2005 -  Malta The Prime Minister of Malta yesterday officially opened the European Tourism Forum 2005 which is being held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in the capital. Two main items are on the Meeting's agenda. Ministers will discuss the new EU's proposed Tourism Policy, with the participation of Vice President Günter Verheugen, and will exchange views on the tourism aspects related to National Reform Programmes. The Meeting will be co-chaired by the Tourism Ministers of Malta and the United Kingdom. more information at: www.etfmalta.com
28th September 2005
Launch of Skål’s new web-site National Committee President Frans Camilleri launched Skål’s  new   web-site at the Intercontinental Hotel Hotel on 28 September.   The web-site has been redesigned and made more user-friendly, its content has been updated, and additional pages have been added to cover various aspects  of the two Skål Clubs’ activities in Malta In launching the new site, Mr Camilleri               Part of the audience attending the launching of Skål's new web-site emphasised that, apart from being a portal for foreign tourism and travel professionals  to become acquainted with industry colleagues in Malta, the new site seeks to highlight the services from which Skål members in Malta can benefit.  He mentioned, in particular, the special benefits available to them from foreign Skålleagues, in terms of discounts at hotels and for other services when they travel abroad, as well as their ability to register as preferred contacts for foreign Skålleagues wishing to do business in Malta.   During the launch, members made various suggestions which will be reviewed and incorporated in further updates of the site.    The new site has been developed and will be maintained by Mr Edward Paris, whom Mr Camilleri thanked for the effort he put in.     **************************************

28th September 2005
Induction of Simon DeCesare   After the launch of the new web-site, Skål President Frans Camilleri inducted a new member into the St Julian’s Club. He is Mr Simon DeCesare, who was presented with his membership certificate, Skål badge and the Skål banner.  Simon is responsible for the management of the Intercontinental Hotel resort for Eden Leisure Group, as well as Company Secretary of the Group.    President Camilleri welcomed Simon to the Club, and said that the National Committee had put its trust in Simon because he’s already been  co-opted to the Committee to take charge  of Young  Skål and Membership Development.  Simon replied that he was glad to join Skål and was looking forward to making his contribution to the Clubs’ growth in Malta.
	President Camilleri hands over the membership certificate to    Simon  DeCesare, while Honorary Secretary George Schembri      looks  on,  holding the Skål banner.

AID TO ALLEVIATE THE SUFFERING CAUSED BY HURRICANE KATRINA

Dear Friends,

The Executive Committee of Skål International met in Gerona, Spain on 2nd and 3rd September 2005 amid the unfolding disaster following Hurricane Katrina on the South Coast of the United States. The magnitude of the disaster has yet to be finally determined, but quite clearly it is of horrific proportions. I know that all Skål members worldwide will join me in expressing our sympathies to all those affected.

NAASC (Skål International North American Area) has set up a Disaster Fund which is fully supported by the Executive Committee of Skål International and I would urge you to contribute what you can to help in some way to alleviate the suffering caused by Katrina.

The details of the account are as follows:

Bank:	Broadway Bank
Name of Account:	NAASC/Katrina Relief
Address:	1177, NE Loop 410, San Antonio , TX 78217
Routing No:	114021933
Account No:	427020

 

This is a U.S. Dollar Account only.

If you are aware of any Skål member in particular who has been affected by this disaster, please let us know so that we can contact the Florimond Volckaert Fund for immediate assistance.

I am conscious of the very generous donations received from North American Area Skål to the tsunami fund and I sincerely hope that this generosity can be reciprocated in respect of one of the worst natural disasters in this area in modern times.

Yours in Skål

Matanyah.  

Holyland Hotel
P.O.B 2461 Jerusalem 91023
Tel. +972-2-6437777 Fax. +972-2-6436611
E-mail: holywest@netvision.net.il
Web Site: www.inisrael.com/holyland

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MEP Dr Simon Busuttil addresses Skål International - Malta

Skål International - Malta recently organised a Business Breakfast for members and their guests at the InterContinental Malta where the guest speaker was Dr Simon Busuttil, MEP. The theme for discussion was Protecting the Traveller: an EU Perspective.

Dr Busuttil (left) briefed the audience about the EU's policy-making and regulations in the field of package tourism and air travel, particularly the enhanced rights now enjoyed by consumers and air travellers. He also talked about how the EU's policies in various fields can affect tourism, even though the EU itself does not have a tourism policy.

A very interesting question and answer session then followed, during which Dr. Busuttil was quizzed about his campaign for the removal or reform of the increased passenger tax introduced by the government on travel from Malta. The audience also raised several points concerning the remedies available to both consumers and tourism operators in the event of non-performance of contracts entered into between the various providers of services.

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Copyright      looks  on,  holding the Skål banner.