As we begin the year 2026, I am honored to extend my warmest greetings to each of you. The start of a new year is always a meaningful moment—an opportunity to reflect on our shared achievements and to reaffirm our collective commitment to the mission and values that unite us as Skålleagues around the world.

Earlier this year, the Executive Board met in Malaga for our first meeting of 2026 and our first in-person gathering of the year. This important session allowed us to engage in meaningful discussions on priorities, strategy, and the path forward for Skål International. During this meeting, we were also pleased to officially welcome our newly elected Board members, whose energy, experience, and global perspectives further strengthen our leadership team.

One of our key objectives for 2026 is to strengthen strategic alliances with organizations that are part of our industry—or that play a critical role in supporting it. If you are a DMO, hotelier, or car rental company interested in partnering with Skål International, I encourage you to contact your Regional Director or Director Deniz Anapa, who oversees our sponsorship portfolio, to learn more about available partnership packages. We have tested this approach over the past two years and are confident that this model delivers real value for all involved.

We will continue to provide you with monthly updates on our progress. In addition, you will begin to see a refreshed approach to how we communicate—designed to be clearer, more effective, and more streamlined. We hear your feedback, and we are listening.

Thank you for your continued trust, engagement, and dedication to Skål International. I look forward to working together as we advance our shared goals and further strengthen our association in the year ahead.

 Warm regards,

Andres O. Hayes

President Skål International

“United in Friendship, We Grow Together”