Cebu wins bid to host 2010 Skal Asian Congress

Cebu will host the 2010 Asian Skal Congress, a major annual international gathering of top tourism and travel players from all over Asia and the Pacific.

 This was announced by Skal International Councillor and Cebu President Charles Lim, who successfully bid for the congress in Koh Samui, Thailand recently.

 ”It was a unanimous vote from all the Asian clubs present in Koh Samui,” said the Cebu-based tourism and marketing consultant. “This congress will boost tourism in Cebu and Central Visayas as our full potential will be made known to these decision makers who are heads of airlines, hotels and travel agencies.”

Lim thanked Tourism Secretary, Joseph “Ace” Durano, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Department of Tourism Regional Director Patria Aurora Roa and members of Skal International Cebu for their relentless support in helping the club make the bid.

“We are very proud of Cebu’s record and potential when it comes to attracting visitors. The Department of Tourism salutes Skal International Cebu for winning this bid and we look forward to seeing our counterparts here two years from now,” said Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano.

Skal International is the only worldwide organization uniting all branches of the tourism and travel industry. It has 22,000 members in over 500 clubs throughout 87 countries. Membership is open to airlines, hotels, resorts, travel agents, car rentals, national tourism organizations, tourism councils, airport and seaport authorities, theme parks, hospitality schools, tour operators, tourist/travel publications and other tourism related professionals.

In the Philippines, Skal has five chapters – Manila, Makati, Davao, Bacolod and Cebu. Plans of setting up chapters in Boracay, Iloilo, Subic, Cagayan de Oro and Tagbilaran are underway.