Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay

29/10/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LES KINGMA!

Today, Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay Club celebrates Les Kingma, founder of Addo Cruises & Sand Sledding and a valued member of our tourism community!

Les, your passion for tourism and adventure has helped create unforgettable experiences on the beautiful Sundays River and among the spectacular Alexandria Coastal Dunes. From scenic river cruises to sunset adventures and sand sledding, your contribution continues to showcase the incredible experiences our region has to offer.

On your special day, we wish you a wonderful birthday filled with happiness, laughter, good health and many more adventures ahead! May the year to come bring you continued success and countless reasons to celebrate.

Happy birthday, Les! May your next trip around the sun be your best one yet! 🥂🎉

With warm wishes from your Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay Club family.

Skål!

27/10/2026

A PROUD MOMENT FOR SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM!

Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay proudly congratulates Johan van Schalkwyk, President of Skål International Cape Town, on receiving the prestigious SKÅLITE International President’s Award — the highest SKÅLITE honour!

Presented in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 25 October 2026, this award recognises exceptional leadership and contributions to tourism.

Congratulations, Johan, on this outstanding international achievement! We celebrate you and the pride you bring to South African tourism.

27/10/2026

Congratulations, Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor

Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay proudly congratulates our member, Lisa Ker of Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor, Cradock, on winning the Skål International Skalite Award for Creative Excellence in Cultural Heritage Protection! 🌍✨

This prestigious international recognition celebrates Lisa’s contribution to preserving our rich cultural heritage and promoting heritage tourism.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement and celebrate Lisa for showcasing the beauty and heritage of the Karoo to the world!

🥂 Congratulations on this well-deserved honour!

21/10/2026

21/10/2026

🎥 The countdown to Cádiz begins!

Congratulations to Cádiz, our next host city for the Skål International World Congress in 2027.

As this exciting new chapter begins, we wish the host committee every success in the planning and preparation that lies ahead. Hosting the global Skål community is a tremendous honour and responsibility, and we know Cádiz will create an unforgettable experience for delegates from around the world.

To our fellow Skålleagues: early registration is encouraged. Make your plans, secure your place, and join us as we continue to strengthen friendships and do business among friends.

Best wishes to the entire Cádiz team. We look forward to seeing your vision come to life and celebrating together at the next World Congress.

🌟 See you in Cádiz!

19/10/2026

19/10/2026

There is no time to ponder - just say yes! Lets meet up tomorrow night, share a drink or two, break some bread and breath! Payment at function - if you RSVP and you do not arrive you will be charged 👈🏻
RSVP WhatsApp Salome on 082 9070954
No speeches. No formalities. Just great company, good stories and a glass raised to what we've achieved together!

19/10/2026

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU – SKÅL!

Dear Skålleagues,

As the curtains close on the Skål International World Congress 2026, we extend our sincere gratitude to every delegate, partner, sponsor, volunteer and member of the global Skål family who travelled to Nelson Mandela Bay and helped make this historic event an unforgettable success.

Your presence in our destination was about far more than attending a congress. Through your participation, you have created a lasting legacy for Nelson Mandela Bay. The relationships established, business opportunities created, cultural exchanges shared and global exposure generated will continue to benefit our destination, tourism industry, local businesses, cultural groups, crafters and tourism entrepreneurs for years to come.

This congress was also the culmination of the remarkable journey of the Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay Club, which has proudly served the tourism industry for more than six decades. Over the years, generations of dedicated local Skålleagues have invested their time, passion and expertise in building a respected and vibrant club that championed friendship, collaboration and tourism growth. Their collective efforts laid the foundation for Nelson Mandela Bay to ultimately secure the honour of hosting a Skål International World Congress.

We pay tribute to all past and present Skålleagues whose commitment and leadership helped shape the club into what it is today. Every President, committee member, office bearer, sponsor, volunteer and supporter contributed to a legacy that culminated in bringing the world to our shores in 2026. This achievement belongs to all who have been part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Skål journey.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our international delegates. Thank you for embracing our destination, supporting our businesses, sharing our culture and leaving a lasting impact on our city. Your friendship and support have strengthened the bonds that make Skål such a unique and powerful global organisation.

As we bid farewell, let us celebrate not only a successful congress, but the friendships strengthened, partnerships forged and memories created. Together, we have demonstrated the power of tourism to connect people, create opportunities and leave a positive legacy for future generations.

To Happiness, Good Health, Friendship and Long Life.

SKÅL!

Xhosa Version

Kwimpilo entle, Kwimpumelelo nolonwabo, Kubuhlobo obuhlala buqinile, Nakubomi obude.

SKÅL!

With warmest regards and sincere appreciation,

The Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay Local Organising Committee
Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay
Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa

18/10/2026

The cast of Sophiatown were invited to perform at the Skål International World Congress, a premier professional organization uniting tourism and hospitality leaders from over 80 countries, held at Happy Valley. This congress brings together international tourism delegates from around the world to celebrate the cultural wealth of various countries. This year marked the 85th anniversary of the congress, and the first time the event was hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay.

The cast performed a collage of songs and dances from our version of Sophiatown, and Alex was the only school asked to perform for the opening event.

We thank the Skål World Congress for inviting our learners to perform at such a prestigious occasion, where the music and passion of South African history could be celebrated

18/10/2026

📸 CONGRESS FINALE | PRESIDENT'S GALA DINNER | 01 OCTOBER 2026

The 85th Skål International World Congress 2026 concluded in spectacular style with the prestigious President's Gala Dinner at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre, hosted in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT).

The elegant evening brought together tourism leaders, Skål members, industry partners and delegates from across the globe to celebrate a successful congress and the friendships, partnerships and opportunities that had been forged throughout an unforgettable week in Nelson Mandela Bay.

As the final official event of the congress programme, the Gala Dinner provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past days, from valuable business engagements and knowledge-sharing sessions to destination experiences, sustainability initiatives, youth development programmes and community legacy projects. The evening celebrated not only the success of the congress itself, but also the enduring power of the global Skål network and its commitment to advancing tourism through friendship, collaboration and professional excellence.

Guests enjoyed a memorable evening of hospitality, entertainment and celebration, providing a fitting farewell to delegates who had travelled from around the world to experience Nelson Mandela Bay, the Eastern Cape and South Africa.

While the formal congress programme concluded with the Gala Dinner, the visitor journey was far from over. The following day, delegates participated in a range of complimentary excursions across Nelson Mandela Bay, further exploring the destination's wildlife, culture, heritage, marine experiences and tourism attractions.

Many delegates then embarked on post-congress tours to some of South Africa's most sought-after destinations, including the Eastern Cape's private game reserves, the world-renowned Garden Route, and numerous other destinations throughout South Africa. For many international visitors, the congress became the starting point of a much broader South African travel experience, with some delegates remaining in the country for several additional days and even weeks before returning home.

These extended stays contributed to the congress's tourism legacy by generating additional visitor spending, increasing destination awareness and exposing international tourism leaders to a wider range of South Africa's tourism products and experiences.

As delegates departed South Africa, they left with new friendships, strengthened business relationships and lasting memories of the people, culture and hospitality that make this country a truly world-class tourism destination.

A Message of Thanks from Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay

As the Host Club, Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay extends its sincere gratitude to every delegate, sponsor, partner, volunteer, exhibitor, speaker, tourism stakeholder and community organisation that contributed to the success of the 85th Skål International World Congress 2026.

A special thank you is extended to our government and industry partners, including DEDEAT, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South African Tourism, the South African National Convention Bureau, Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency, sponsors and tourism businesses whose support made this event possible.

Most importantly, thank you to the global Skål family for entrusting Nelson Mandela Bay with the privilege of hosting this prestigious event. It has been an honour to welcome the world to our home and to showcase the incredible experiences, people and opportunities that define Nelson Mandela Bay, the Eastern Cape and South Africa.

We look forward to seeing the friendships formed, partnerships created and opportunities generated through this congress continue to grow for many years to come.

✨ President's Gala Dinner
🤝 Celebrating Global Friendship & Partnership
🌍 Official Conclusion of the Congress
🚌 Complimentary Nelson Mandela Bay Excursions
🦁 Post-Tours to Eastern Cape Private Game Reserves
🚗 Garden Route & South African Destination Experiences
❤️ Thank You from Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay

United in Friendship We Grow Together