Skål International Coimbatore officially launched the countdown to the much-anticipated Skål India National Congress (SINC) 2026, which will be held from August 12–14, 2026, at Le Méridien Coimbatore. The curtain-raiser ceremony, held at The Residency Towers, Coimbatore, brought together leading figures from the travel, tourism, hospitality and government sectors, marking the beginning of preparations for one of India’s most significant tourism industry gatherings.
For the first time, Coimbatore—Tamil Nadu’s thriving industrial, cultural and entrepreneurial hub—will host the prestigious annual congress of Skål International India. The event is expected to welcome tourism leaders, hoteliers, travel professionals, media representatives and stakeholders from across India and abroad for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing and collaboration under the Skål spirit of “Doing Business Among Friends.”
The evening celebrated the rich cultural heritage and hospitality traditions of Tamil Nadu, with guests embracing elegant ethnic and regional attire that reflected the destination’s vibrant identity. The curtain raiser was organised under the leadership of Ramesh Chandrakumar, President, Skål International Coimbatore, and P.K. Ganesh, Chairman, SINC 2026, along with the dedicated Skål International Coimbatore team.
The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including D. Srinivasan, Managing Director, Annapoorna Hotels; Sathish K.S. (IFS), Regional Passport Officer, Coimbatore; T. Jegatheswari, District Tourist Officer, Coimbatore; Sundar Singaram, Director – Operations, South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA); NSN Mohan, Vice President, Skål International; and Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Chandrakumar, President, Skål International Coimbatore, said: “We are proud and honoured to welcome the Skål fraternity to Coimbatore for the first time. Our city represents enterprise, culture and warmth, and we look forward to curating a congress experience that celebrates responsible tourism while showcasing the spirit of Tamil Nadu.”
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming congress, Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, remarked: “SINC 2026 in Coimbatore promises to be a defining gathering for Indian tourism, where conversations on sustainability and heritage will move beyond ideas into meaningful action. Coimbatore’s energy, culture and hospitality make it a perfect host city for this important national platform.”
Emphasising the importance of sustainable tourism practices, NSN Mohan, Vice President, Skål International, said: “Sustainability is no longer an option for tourism—it is the direction forward. SINC 2026 will create an important platform for global collaboration, innovation and collective industry responsibility.”
Recognised as India’s premier annual gathering for travel, tourism and hospitality professionals, the Skål India National Congress serves as a key platform for fostering industry partnerships, facilitating meaningful dialogue and shaping the future direction of tourism in the country.
With sustainability and heritage at its core, SINC 2026 will bring together industry leaders and decision-makers to explore emerging opportunities, address evolving challenges and promote responsible tourism development. By blending forward-looking discussions with the timeless richness of India’s cultural heritage, the congress aims to inspire actionable outcomes that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive tourism ecosystem.