The Skål India National Congress 2025, hosted by Skål International Mumbai South, was successfully concluded at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, from September 12th to 14th, 2025. Themed around ‘Connecting Tourism Leaders, Inspiring Growth,’ the three-day Congress welcomed hundreds of distinguished professionals from the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The event was supported by valued partners, including the Ministry of Tourism, Incredible India, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Luv my India, Kazin DMC, and I Love Japan DMC.
Recognised as one of the premier gatherings in the industry, the Congress provided a high-level platform for policymakers, diplomats, filmmakers, wellness advocates, and hospitality leaders to share perspectives on tourism’s evolving role in driving economic development, enhancing India’s global presence, and fostering cultural exchange.
Highlighting the successful conclusion of the Congress, Padmashree Dr. Mukesh Batra, Host President, Skål International Mumbai South, said: “Hosting the Skål India National Congress 2025 has been a proud moment for our chapter. Keeping sustainability in mind, it was the first Skal congress that was paperless and digitally driven. Over these three days, we celebrated not just business insights but the Skål spirit of friendship, networking, and global camaraderie. I’m delighted Mumbai could be the stage for such meaningful connections and exchanges.”
Speaking at the Congress, Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skal International India, emphasised the organisation’s long-term plans: “Our vision for 2025–2030 is rooted in collective growth: to add more clubs, have a stronger membership retention, deeper engagement, and a unified Indian presence on the world stage.” MSN Mohan, Deputy Director, Skal International, also congratulated the host club for putting up one of the best national conventions of Skal.
The Congress featured distinguished speakers and sessions, where thought leaders from across sectors nationwide shared their insights and perspectives. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Former Union Minister – External Affairs, speaking on the topic of “Changing the Perception of India from Snake Charmers to Charmers of the World,” remarked: “Participating in the Skål India National Congress 2025 reaffirmed that India’s diversity and heritage are powerful drivers of international goodwill and cooperation.”
Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra, Diplomat & Advisor, in his valedictory address on “Tourism in a World of Conflict,” highlighted India’s soft power, stating: “Addressing this Congress reaffirmed my belief that India, with its unmatched richness, can position itself as a leader not only in travel but also in building enduring global relationships.”
Adding further depth to the deliberations, Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Former Union Minister, Women and Child Welfare, spoke on “Changing the World Through Tourism” and stressed that: “True progress in tourism must rest on responsible practices—protecting our environment, communities, and the ecosystems that make destinations worth visiting.”
Special sessions added vibrancy to the Congress. In a fireside chat, filmmaker Subhash Ghai spoke on the soft power of cinema in boosting Indian tourism, observing that films can inspire audiences to experience India’s landscapes, cities, and stories firsthand. Actor Zayed Khan underlined the importance of creating authentic and immersive experiences to promote tourism. Regarding wellness, Pooja Bedi reflected that journeys today are as much about healing, balance, and inner transformation as they are about exploration. Culinary tourism found its voice in Kunal Vijaykar, who asserted that India’s diverse cuisine and its global popularity could easily establish the country as a culinary hub. Industry leaders Mr. Bose and Siddharth Mehta, meanwhile, addressed the challenges facing the sector, noting that artificial intelligence will play a defining role in shaping the future of customer experiences.
The Congress concluded on a note of inspiration and optimism, leaving participants with fresh insights, meaningful connections, and a shared vision for India’s tourism and hospitality sector. Delegates returned to their respective domains energised, with renewed commitment to sustainability, wellness, authentic experiences, and global collaboration—underscoring the Congress as a landmark event in shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and internationally respected travel ecosystem.