The Skål India National Congress 2025, hosted by Skål International Mumbai South, successfully concluded at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, from 12th to 14th September 2025. Themed around ‘Connecting Tourism Leaders, Inspiring Growth’, the three-day Congress welcomed hundreds of distinguished professionals from the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
Shreya Shimpi
The Skål India National Congress 2025 served as 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. The event was supported by valued partners including Ministry of Tourism, Incredible India, Bharati Vidya Peeth, Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Luv my India, Kazin DMC and I Love Japan DMC.
”Speaking at the Congress Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skal International India said, “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.”
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.
The Congress featured an esteemed panel of speakers and sessions, with thought leaders from across sectors nationwide sharing their insights and perspectives.
Sharing his insights on “Changing the Perception of India from Snake Charmers to Charmers of the World”, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Former Union Minister – External Affairs, said ,” We need to improve the global image of India and provide world-class infrastructure, to make India an attractive destination. Additionally, segment-based marketing culture needs to be promoted to cater to the diverse needs of travellers.”
Maneka Gandhi, Former Union Minister, Women and Child Welfare, speaking on “Changing the World Through Tourism”: “True progress in tourism must rest on responsible practices – protecting our environment, communities, and the ecosystems that make destinations worth visiting.”
Speaking on the soft power of cinema to increase tourism in India, Subhash Ghai, said, “Films can inspire audiences to experience India’s landscapes, cities, and stories firsthand”. Pooja Bedi shared, “Journeys today are also about healing, balance, and inner transformation. It is essential to make wellness a way of life”
Sharing his views on culinary tourism, Kunal Vijaykar said, “the variety of Indian food and its popularity across the world can easily position India as a culinary hub.
The Congress concluded on a note of inspiration and optimism, building meaningful connections, and a shared vision for India’s tourism and hospitality sector. It inspired delegates to reaffirm their commitment to sustainability, wellness, authentic experiences, and global collaboration, underscoring the Congress as a marque event in shaping the future of travel and tourism.
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