Christchurch International Skål president and chair of the International Membership Committee Victoria Wales from HOT Events has recently returned from the Skål World Congress in Malaga, Spain where she picked up several key awards.
At the opening ceremony for the global network of the travel and tourism industry, she was first on stage to receive an award on behalf of Te Pae Christchurch.
“I was thrilled to proudly collect the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award for Government and Community for Te Pae Christchurch.”
Later in the opening ceremony, Christchurch was awarded second place in the Skål Club of the Year 2023, behind Nairobi. Wellington took third place – an outstanding achievement for New Zealand within an organisation of 311 clubs from 77 countries.
Skål World President Juan I. Steta also presented the chairs of the international committees with a trophy in recognition of their work.
“Leading the Membership Committee this year has been a great challenge, especially the 1am zoom calls that take place,” Vic says.
As chair of the Membership Committee, Victoria also staged a workshop for delegates, which proved popular, with standing room only and extra time needed for Q&A.
Victoria was also among a select group of only six members who received the Skål World President’s Certificate of Excellence.
The twinning between Skål International Christchurch and Skål International Cape Winelands, South Africa took place during the Congress. This signing sealed the commitment of both clubs to strengthen relations between these two territories, generate business between friends and enhance the ties of friendship that exist between members.
During the final celebrations at the Annual General Assembly, Christchurch-based Brook Serene director, Bruce Garrett was elected as Director for Region 13 (representing nine Oceania clubs – New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea).
