Plans are at advanced stage for Kenya to host the 79th Skal congress in Mombasa from 17 to 21 October 2018. Dubbed “Congress on the Beach”, the event will attract over 500 delegates drawn from Skal Clubs globally.
The Skal Club is comprised of owners and top management in the hotels, airlines, tour operators and travel agents from all over the world, bringing together the key decision makers and influencers of the travel and tourism industry. The main Congress will be held at Pride Inn Paradise Hotel in Shanzu. This is the first time that the organization, whose headquarters is in Spain is holding the global event in Africa.
One of the key objectives of the four-day event is to bring on board the key decision makers in the Tourism industry from all around the world to appreciate and experience Mombasa as a leading beach destination even as the Congress offer a networking experience for the delegates. According to the Skal Kenya, the hosts of the Congress, holding the event in Kenya reaffirms the country’s position as a leading player in the world of tourism.
“Skal World Congress coming to Kenya is a great achievement for Kenya’s tourism sector. We are using this opportunity to showcase the best of Mombasa to the world and leave a lasting impression on the delegates.” says Silvester Mbandi, Skal Kenya President.
Mombasa residents stand to benefit by showcasing their culture to visiting delegates. The visitors will be hosted in various historical sites including Fort Jesus and Haller Park, a rehabilitated quarry in Bamburi that now hosts scores of wild animals. Mbandi says they plan to showcase the different tourist sites by hosting unique dining experiences for the delegates. “We plan to host the welcome cocktail at Fort Jesus.
We are working with an event organiser to light and theme Fort Jesus in a manner to compliment the historical site, creating a one of it as kind experience to the delegates. We will also have Kenya themed dine-around at Haller Park, where guests will walk around and sample foods from all over Kenya, even as they network and enjoy the entertainment by local bands and performers. To culminate the Congress, the Skal Presidents Gala Dinner will be hosted by the beach”.
Hasnain Noorani, the managing director Pride Inn Hotels says the coast hotel is ready to host the hundreds of delegates for the unprecedented congress. “We have the hardware in place and are focusing on software to deliver some international experience with a local touch. We have upgraded our equipment for the comfort of all guests. Skal is important not only for the Resort and the Coast as a destination but for Kenya as a leading tourist destination” he says.
