In the northern hemisphere, we are getting ready to welcome the Summer! 

For many, this represents the sea, sun, sand, and some vacation time! 

While we hear fascinating and highly positive news from Europe and the Americas on the vaccination rates and discussions on re-starting the international travel, we all have been saddened by the setback news from India and Turkey and the long lockdown period they had to go through. Despite these setbacks, we are all hopeful and can see the light at the end of the tunnel as vaccination rates increase globally.

Last week, I had the opportunity to join the Skål International USA 2021 AGM/NCM in Orlando, Florida. It has been a true delight meeting with our Skålleagues after almost 18 months, having face-to-face conversations, catching up, and having the pleasure of making the Skål International toast in person! The Skål International Orlando club hosted the two-day event, including the AGM/NCM meeting in hybrid format, an exceptional dinner event at Sea World, and a golf tournament! As we move forward to the second half of the year, I hope to see more of the in-person Skål International meeting updates/news from our clubs around the globe.

This month's Skål Now Newsletter is packed with lots of information again!

It brings you updates from several industry segments such as cruise lines and meeting planners, stories from Skål International clubs around the globe, upcoming important industry events, and webinars coming up hosted by Skål International. This month we added a reminder and link to our benefits page – every day, more Skålleagues are submitting benefits that are available for Skål International members only and listing them on our benefits page – please check them out! Also, please keep in mind the submission for Sustainability Tourism Awards is due at to end of June – you will find information and update on this topic in this month's Skål Now Newsletter. 

Skål Month events presentations

Last but not least, many of you have been asking for the links to the past month's Skål Month events presentations. They are now posted on our website and can be found under this link: