Global tourism leaders converge in Macao to celebrate heritage and champion innovation
The55th Skål International Asia Congress concluded this week in Macao, bringing together nearly 200 tourism professionals from across Asia and beyond for four days of high-level dialogue, cultural discovery, and industry networking. Hosted by Skål International Macau with the support of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the congress once again confirmed Macao’s standing as one of Asia’s premier MICE destinations.
Held at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau from 11 to 14 June, the event gathered 198 delegates representing Skål clubs from 18 countries and regions spanning Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The congress marked the fourth time Macao has welcomed the Skål Asia Area Congress, following previous editions in 1994, 2007, and 2018.
A Destination Defining Its Next Chapter
Under the theme Celebrating Heritage – Empowering Innovation, the congress showcased the many dimensions of Macao’s evolving tourism proposition. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes welcomed delegates at the opening ceremony, highlighting Macao’s growing role as a gateway to the Chinese mainland and its increasingly strategic position as a multi-destination travel hub, bolstered by current visa-free policies and deepening regional connectivity. “The Skål International Asia Congress further reinforces Macao’s position as a world centre of tourism and leisure and a premier MICE destination,” she noted, pointing to the congress as a platform for spotlighting the city’s unique cultural heritage and world-class hospitality to an influential international audience
The message from Director MGTO was preceeded by Skal International Macau President Vinzenz Rosa de Pauli delivering the official opening message and welcoming Vice President elect 2027 for Skal International NSN Mohan who praised the congress as a model of what can be achieved through passion and vision, commending the organising team for not only strengthening partnerships among Asia’s tourism leaders but also for placing Macao’s rich culture firmly in the international spotlight.
Big Ideas on the Agenda
The opening ceremony was followed by three substantive panel discussions featuring approximately ten national and international guest speakers. Topics ranged from the transformation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a unified world-class tourism destination, to the role of cultural regeneration in driving sustainable tourism growth, and the accelerating influence of technology and artificial intelligence on the future of travel.
MGTO Director de Senna Fernandes joined the first panel alongside Professor Kam Hung of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management and Con Apostolopoulos, Chief Advisor of The Costa Advisory representing Warner Bros. Discovery. The discussion explored how Macao, Hong Kong, and Guangdong cities are working in concert to position the Greater Bay Area as a seamless, world-class tourism brand.
A Successful Annual General Assembly Shapes the Road Ahead
A highlight of the congress was the Annual General Assembly (AGA), presided over by Skål International Asia President Shekhar Divadkar, which was met with widespread acclaim from delegates. The AGA brought together the full Skål International Asia Board to conduct the organisation’s regional business and chart the course ahead for member clubs across the area.
The Board, comprising Vice Presidents Stuart Bolwell and Brian Harris, Secretary Kuncheria Thomas, Treasuer Shirley Lai, Director of Membership Development James Thurlby, Director of PR and Communications Dinushka Chandrasena, Director of Young Skål Ronald Sathianathan, and Senior Auditor and Past President of Skål International Richard Hawkins, was commended for the cohesion and professionalism with which they led proceedings. Unfortunately VP West Asia Manoj Manthew and Junior Auditor Past President Skal Asia Andrew J Wood were not able to be there. The assembly underscored the strength of Skål International Asia’s leadership and its collective commitment to growing the network, nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals, and elevating the organisation’s voice on the global stage.
Delegates Discover Macao’s Living Heritage
Beyond the boardroom, delegates were treated to immersive cultural tours curated by MGTO, tracing Macao’s historic heart through the Ruins of St. Paul’s, Travessa da Paixão, Rua dos Ervanários, and the lush Luís de Camões Garden a hands-on reminder of the city’s extraordinary blend of Eastern and Western heritage.
About Skal
Founded in 1934, Skål International is one of the world’s oldest and most respected networks of tourism and travel professionals, promoting the industry through friendship, cooperation, and shared knowledge. Today, the organisation comprises 294 clubs across 75 countries and regions, with approximately 12,500 members worldwide, including an active club in Macao.
