Skål
International, the world’s largest professional association of
senior travel and
tourism executives, will bring its 74th World Congress to New York
City this fall.
The
prestigious gathering will begin on 27th September 2013, before
embarking from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on a first-ever meeting
at sea aboard the Carnival Cruise
ship Glory. The group consisting of
1,200 travel industry delegates—who hail from all around
the globe—will conclude their annual event back in New
York City on 5th October, offering attendees
an opportunity for post-Congress meetings with
NYC-based travel partners as well as tours of the
destination.
“Tourism
is a cornerstone of New York City’s economy—last year, the City
welcomed a record 52 million visitors who spent nearly $37 billion.
It is only fitting that New York City would serve as a backdrop for
this year’s 74th annual Skål International World Congress—this
prestigious travel association last convened in New
York City in 1955 so it’s an honor to have them return to
experience the nation’s number one big city tourism destination. To
date, we’re pleased to announce that nearly 900 people have
registered for the upcoming Skål International World Congress,”
said NYC & Company’s CEO George Fertitta.
“The
response from our global membership for the 2013 Skål International
World Congress has been overwhelming—New York City, our 75th
Anniversary and the sailing have created a perfect formula for
success. Our dedicated volunteer committee has been working on this
event since October 2011 when winning the 2013 bid at the congress in
Turku, Finland,” said John J. Ruzich, OBE, Chairman of the Skål
New York Host Committee." We thank NYC & Company for all
their support to help us secure the 74th World Congress for New York
City".
Skål International
New York was the first chapter established in
North America and will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary during the
Congress. Many of the Club’s members will be providing Congress
attendees incentives to visit their businesses and attractions while
in the City as tourism is an important part of their annual revenue.
Non-SKÅL companies who wish to reach this audience must first become
a Club member. Information on membership can be found at NYSkal.com.
Skål
International last convened in the United States in 1994, when the
group met in Los Angeles.
A
special website, Skal2013WorldCongress.com, has been created to
present all of the Congress information to SKÅL members, and
continual updates will be available on Facebook and Twitter. For more
information on
the Skål World Congress, visit Skal2013WorldCongress.com.