Skål USA
aims to cultivate the next generation of tourism leaders by forging
strong alliances between the educational community and the
professional business world.
NEW
YORK, June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Skål
USA is excited to announce the
launch of Project Future, a groundbreaking initiative unveiled
during the recent North American Skål Congress (NASC). This program
aims to "connect tourism globally" by forging strong alliances
between the educational community and the professional business
world. The goal is to create mutually beneficial programs that
offer students real-world work experiences and insights as they
embark on their careers while providing Skål members with access to
a pool of talented and enthusiastic students seeking internships,
mentorships, and jobs in the travel and tourism industry.
Skål International, the only professional organization dedicated
to promoting global tourism and friendship, unites all sectors of
the business world. Founded in Paris in 1934, Skål International continues to
thrive with over 12,000 members in 83 countries. Recently, the
organization has placed a stronger emphasis on identifying and
recruiting bright young hospitality students worldwide to sustain
future growth.
The idea for Project Future emerged in 2023 from an alliance
between the NY Skål Club and the University of
Florida in Gainesville, FL.
This initiative quickly gained interest from other Skål Clubs, and
the committee grew to over 30 Skålleagues from various clubs across
the country. Project Future has since become one of five key
committees within Skål USA.
"Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and the
travel and tourism industry by building partnerships that immerse
students in real-world experiences," explained Burcin Turkkan, M.B.A., CHE, and past president
of Skål USA and Skål
International. "Additionally, we aim to provide the travel and
tourism sector with access to fresh, talented individuals. By
fostering these connections, Skål enhances academic learning with
practical insights, ensuring students are well-prepared for their
professional journeys and equipping the industry with innovative
thinkers ready to meet its unique challenges."
While many Skål Clubs have successfully implemented Young Skål
Student programs, there was a need for expansion. Project Future
Chair and Past President of the NY Skål Club, Carolyn J. Feimster
CMD/CRX, states, "Project Future is a successful way to revitalize
this membership category by effectively addressing its challenges
and introducing fresh ideas for Clubs to adopt." One significant
achievement was revising the by-laws to allow for seamless
membership transitions (assuming certain requirements are met) from
Young Skål Student to Young Skål Professional, Active member, and
eventually, to retirement. "Our student and young Skål members can
now look forward to a lifelong journey, ensuring lifelong
networking and friendships. No other travel and tourism
organization allows for this easy transition from student to
retirement. Plus, we provide networking opportunities, education,
events, and more to assist anyone in hospitality throughout their
career," added Feimster.
To ensure all Skål Clubs benefit from Project Future, useful
tools have been developed or are in the process of being created.
For Clubs interested in on-campus Chapters, there is a detailed
Organizational Plan, initially created for the University of Florida, that can be adapted by any
Skål Club and educational institution. Additionally, there are rack
cards, PowerPoint presentations, website information, and an
upcoming Business Plan to help Clubs enhance their existing Young
Skål Student membership programs or launch new ones.
Future plans for Project Future include expanding the on-campus
program nationwide, with the goal of establishing three Student
Chapters by year-end and at least six more in 2025.
Skål International USA is
currently the largest National Committee in Skål International,
with over 1,420 members and 38 clubs nationwide. For more
information about Skål International and membership, please visit
SkålUSA.org.
For Skål International USA
membership, please write to: skalusadmin@skalusa.org.
Press Release and Project Future Contact:
Carolyn J. Feimster, CRX | CMD, Past President of the NY Skål
Club
+1 718-757-8489
Carolyn@CJFMarketingInternational.com
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SOURCE Skal International USA