“We are committed to fostering young talent, ensuring that Indian destinations receive global recognition, and enhancing inbound tourism. Our newly appointed board is ready to make SKAL India a key player both nationally and internationally,” shared Sanjeev Mehra, President of SKAL International India in conversation with T3.
SKAL International, founded in 1934 in Paris, remains the largest global tourism organization, with over 12,306 members across 326 clubs in 83 countries. With SKAL International India comprising 17 clubs and more than 1,300 members, the organisation is working towards stronger collaboration, innovative programs, and enhanced global outreach. T3 discusses more with Sanjeev Mehra, the newly elected President of SKAL International India while he sheds light on the association’s key initiatives in 2024 and beyond.
“Every year, we have been organising SKAL World Congress, SKAL Asia Congress and the SKAL India Congress with SKAL World Congress 2024 in Izmir, Turkey, SKAL Asia Congress 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and SKAL India Congress 2025 in Mumbai India to boost member engagement and business opportunities,” shared Mehra.
In the pipeline, SKAL India aims to create closer ties with global SKAL clubs to enhance destination promotions and increase business growth for the members, alongside fostering stronger connections with the government and industry decision-makers. Besides, participation in trade fairs also remains a key focus to drive collaboration and growth. Also, by 2026, the goal is to have SKAL Club in every Indian state as the key focus is promoting inbound tourism while encouraging young entrepreneurs to join the tourism sector. “We want the next generation to play a pivotal role in the future of tourism,” Mehra emphasised.
Discussing India’s challenges in establishing itself as a thriving inbound tourism market, Mehra cited infrastructure, investment, and perception issues as critical hurdles. “India’s cultural and natural heritage continues to draw interest, but global awareness and infrastructure need improvement,” he explained. To address these challenges, SKAL International India is leveraging international collaborations, such as participation in global trade fairs and building stronger relationships with the Ministry of Tourism.
“Our focus is on improving global perceptions of India’s safety and infrastructure while enhancing domestic capabilities to support inbound tourism,” he noted. Mehra is confident that by working closely with global tourism decision-makers, these obstacles can be overcome, helping India solidify its position as a must-visit destination.
In response to how SKAL India plans to contribute to the revival of the tourism industry post-pandemic, Mehra outlined a strategic master plan. “Our efforts are centred around sustainability and collaboration. We’ve partnered with the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), promoting initiatives that encourage international understanding, environmental preservation, and heritage protection,” he says. SKAL India is also affiliated with ECPAT International to combat child trafficking, highlighting the association’s commitment to responsible tourism. Mehra adds, “We’ve adopted a village in Coimbatore, demonstrating our local impact, and we continue to engage with tourism boards to unlock new investment channels.”
One of SKAL International India’s core strengths lies in the benefits it offers to its members. With a global network of over 12,306 members, SKAL International facilitates international connections and opportunities for its members. “In India, we provide benefits such as the Membership Development Fund (MDF) to support growth and the SKAL India Care Fund, which helps members facing difficulties,” Mehra shared.
Notably, the association’s affiliation with organisations like PATA, IIPT, and ECPAT International also offers members access to world-class resources and networking platforms. “These global affiliations enable our members to drive business growth, promoting responsible, sustainable tourism practices, and building stronger ties with government bodies for greater recognition and opportunities across India and globally.”
As SKAL India continues to grow under Mehra’s current leadership, the organisation’s vision is ambitious yet grounded in strategic planning. Mehra reiterated that the association’s focus on international collaboration will play a crucial role in opening new avenues for investment, promoting sustainable tourism, and creating business opportunities for members.
“We are committed to fostering young talent, ensuring that Indian destinations receive global recognition, and enhancing inbound tourism. Our newly appointed board is ready to make SKAL India a key player both nationally and internationally,” asserted Mehra.
