S. N. Mohan has assumed the role of World President of Skål International for 2027, becoming the first Asian, Indian, and person from Telangana to lead the organisation. His presidency will focus on unity, inclusion, innovation, service, and strengthening member engagement across Skål’s global network.
Mohan formally assumed the presidency in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, on 1 October 2026, following the leadership transition. His presidential theme for 2027 is “Together, We Shape Tomorrow”, with the accompanying tagline “United in Progress, Global in Action”.
Founded in Paris in 1932, Skål International is described in the release as the world’s oldest and largest international organisation of tourism and hospitality professionals. It has a network spanning 78 countries and 294 cities, with its headquarters in Torremolinos, Spain. The organisation also maintains representation with international tourism bodies, including UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Focus on service and unity
In his presidential address, Mohan said his appointment represented a responsibility to the worldwide Skål family rather than a personal achievement.
“This moment is historic. It is the first time that an Asian, an Indian and someone from Telangana has the honour of leading Skål International in its 93-year history. I accept that distinction not as a personal achievement, but as a responsibility,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s call to public service, Mohan urged members to consider their contribution to the organisation and its future.
“Ask not only what Skål can do for you. Ask what you can do for Skål, for your Club, for your fellow members and for the future of our profession,” he said.
He identified unity, inclusion, innovation, and service to members as the four principles that will guide his presidency, while emphasising the role of Clubs in strengthening the organisation.
“The strength of Skål International does not come from its headquarters. The strength of Skål comes from its Clubs,” he said.
Preparing for industry change
Mohan said Skål must respond to changes across tourism and hospitality, including technology and artificial intelligence, evolving traveller expectations, new generations of professionals, sustainability, and responsible tourism.
“We must modernise without losing our identity. We must innovate without losing our values. We must grow without losing our friendship,” he said.
He called on Clubs to become centres of friendship, opportunity, and action, while encouraging members to act as ambassadors of Skål’s values.
Young professionals in focus
Strengthening participation and leadership opportunities for young tourism and hospitality professionals will be another priority of the 2027 presidency.
Mohan said young professionals should be empowered to participate in the organisation, develop professionally, and take on leadership responsibilities.
“I want the young professional entering Skål today to say: ‘This is my organisation. This is where I belong. This is where I can grow. This is where I can lead,’” he said.
At the same time, he highlighted the contribution of long-serving Skålleagues and said future progress should remain rooted in the organisation’s history, friendships, and traditions.
“Our progress must honour the past. We must carry forward the values, friendships and traditions that brought us here, while giving the next generation the confidence and opportunity to lead us forward,” he said.
Friendship through business
Mohan also reaffirmed friendship as a defining foundation of Skål International, describing tourism as an industry built around relationships, trust, and understanding across cultures and borders.
“Tourism has never really been about places. Tourism is about people. And Skål has never really been about business alone. Skål is about friendship through business,” he said.
Speaking from Nelson Mandela Bay, he also drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s principles of reconciliation, courage, inclusion, and unity, calling on members to build bridges across borders, cultures, generations, and differences.
“Let us not ask what divides us. Let us ask what we can build together. Let us replace distance with connection, hesitation with action and difference with understanding,” he said.
Mohan concluded by calling on the global Skål family to work towards stronger Clubs, greater member engagement, opportunities for young professionals, innovation, inclusion, and preservation of the organisation’s culture of friendship.
“The greatest chapter of Skål’s story has not yet been written. We are holding the pen. And together, we will write it.”
His closing message was: “One Skål. One Family. One Future. Together, We Shape Tomorrow. United in Progress, Global in Action.”
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.