SKÅL INTERNATIONAL COIMBATORE WINS BID TO HOST SKÅL INTERNATIONAL INDIA NATIONAL CONGRESS 2026

Sanjeev Mehra

Ramesh Chandrakumar

December 2025: Skål International India is pleased to announce that Skål International Coimbatore has been selected to host the Skål International India National Congress (SINC) 2026, following the decision taken by the National Board of Skål International India. The selection comes after a competitive bidding process involving Skål International Jaipur, Skål International Jammu & Kashmir, and Skål International Coimbatore, with each club presenting strong and well-structured proposals.

After careful evaluation, the National Board voted in favour of Skål International Coimbatore, recognising its holistic, B2B-led, value-for-money presentation, destination readiness, and the club’s sustained contribution to strengthening industry engagement at the local and national levels. The final dates of SINC 2026 will be announced soon keeping important annual dates of national importance in consideration.

Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, said: “We congratulate Skål International Coimbatore on winning the bid to host the Skål International India National Congress 2026. Skål International India has grown into a strong and influential voice within the global Skål movement, and our national congresses now serve as platforms for leadership, collaboration, and strategic exchange. We look forward to working closely with the host club to deliver a super successful and memorable Congress in 2026.”

Ramesh Chandrakumar, President, Skål International Coimbatore, added: “We sincerely thank the Skål International India National Board for entrusting us with this prestigious responsibility. Hosting the National Congress is both an honour and a responsibility. Our team is fully committed to delivering an outstanding Congress that reflects the true spirit of Skål—friendship, professionalism, inclusivity, and responsible tourism.”

Skål International India today stands among the most dynamic and influential national organisations within the global Skål movement, with 20 active clubs across the country and several more in advanced stages of formation. India’s rapidly expanding tourism economy — driven by strong domestic demand, rising outbound travel, and a steady recovery in inbound tourism — has positioned Skål International India as a critical connector of tourism decision-makers across the value chain.

Indian Skålleagues represent leadership across travel trade, hospitality, aviation, destination management, travel technology, media, and allied sectors, making Skål International India a powerful B2B platform and a respected voice in industry dialogue. The organisation’s consistent focus on transparent governance, sustainability, youth engagement, and global collaboration has strengthened India’s standing within Skål worldwide.

The SINC 2025 in Mumbai marked a defining moment, setting new benchmarks in participation, organisational excellence, sustainability practices, and leadership vision. Building on this strong foundation, SINC 2026 is widely anticipated as a landmark event on the national and global tourism calendar.

Coimbatore offers a distinctive blend of industry, culture, wellness, spirituality, and nature, making it an ideal host city for a congress of this scale and significance. Known as one of South India’s most enterprising and well-connected cities, Coimbatore combines strong infrastructure with experiential richness.

As a gateway to the Western Ghats, the city connects seamlessly to destinations such as Ooty, Coonoor, and Valparai, offering scenic landscapes, plantation trails, trekking routes, and nature-based tourism experiences. The destination is further enriched by diverse hospitality offerings, vibrant local markets, unique shopping experiences, and the authentic flavours of Kongunadu cuisine, creating an engaging backdrop for business, networking, and cultural exchange.

Skål International Coimbatore has emerged as one of India’s most proactive and industry-integrated Skål clubs, hosting a steady calendar of B2B interactions, professional networking events, and socially responsible initiatives. The club’s sustained engagement with tourism stakeholders at the regional level has strengthened Skål’s relevance and visibility within the local industry.

The National Board acknowledged the club’s clarity of vision, operational preparedness, destination positioning, and strong member involvement as key strengths in awarding the hosting rights. Skål International Coimbatore’s recent recognition for excellence in CSR further reinforced confidence in its ability to deliver a Congress that reflects Skål’s core values.

With Skål International India continuing to expand its footprint and influence, the Skål International India National Congress 2026 in Coimbatore is expected to be more than a national gathering. It will serve as a strategic platform for tourism leaders, decision-makers, and industry influencers, fostering dialogue on emerging trends, sustainability, innovation, and collaborative growth.

Backed by a strong national organisation, an experienced host club, and a destination that balances business efficiency with experiential appeal, SINC 2026 is poised to become a defining milestone for Skål International India and a globally relevant event in the tourism landscape.