Skål International CDMX commemorates its 75th anniversary

Skål International Mexico City celebrated its 75th anniversary this Friday, a milestone that reaffirms the organization's leading role in strengthening the tourism industry in the country and globally.

This anniversary motivates us to continue building an even more promising future, (0:21) full of new opportunities and challenges, which we are already accustomed to at our destination.

In a press conference prior to the gala, Skäl International executives emphasized their readiness for the challenges ahead. Photos: Elizabeth Velázque and Mateo Reyes

“We are prepared to face the challenges ahead, with the same imagination and team spirit that characterizes Skål… We envision a future where our organization achieves industry leadership, inspiring new talent with our vision and, above all, with our values. Let us continue working together to build a legacy of success, innovation, and commitment to excellence,” said Cristina Vázquez, president of Skål CDMX.

The commemoration included a gala dinner at the Campo Marte Military Casino, attended by the presidents of Skål clubs from across the country and around the world, as well as business leaders, authorities, and representatives of the tourism industry.

During the meeting, Andrés Hayes, Vice President of Skål International and President-elect for 2026, presented recognition to Skål Mexico for its hard work supporting tourism and for upholding the organization's values.

“The Skål International Board of Directors congratulates the organization in Mexico City on its anniversary. We are deeply proud to celebrate this important achievement, recognizing the club as a pioneer of the Skål movement in the country. We value its trajectory, loyalty, and leadership in the plan that has significantly failed to strengthen the organization nationally and globally,” Hayes emphasized.

In turn, the president of Skål International Mexico, Gabriel Larrea, highlighted the participation of the members from Mexico City, emphasizing their commitment and contribution to strengthening the national network.

The commemorative program began with the Skål International Mexico National Meeting, held at the Camino Real Polanco Hotel, where the organization's main challenges and objectives were presented.

"What makes Skål very important is that it integrates all branches of tourism into a single association. In Mexico, we have 970 members, and I'm almost certain that by the end of the year we'll have 1,000, with a presence in 27 associations across the country," emphasized Gabriel Larrea, president of Skål International Mexico.

Founded in 1934 in Paris, Skål has established itself as the most influential global association for tourism professionals. It currently brings together more than 12,000 members in 84 countries and 312 clubs, comprised of industry-leading directors, managers, and entrepreneurs, under the motto "Doing business among friends."

During the press conference prior to the gala, Larrea emphasized that the organization is working to promote innovation, sustainability, and technological integration as central pillars for the future of tourism.

"We are convinced that Mexico is a global leader in tourism, and our mission is to continue building bridges between entrepreneurs and professionals to promote projects that strengthen the sector," he said.

Cristina Vázquez recalled that the capital's club was founded on August 30, 1950, and that over the years, it has grown to 80 members who have forged a network of collaboration, partnerships, and business ties in an atmosphere of friendship.

The event also served as a forum to address the industry's current challenges. Larrea emphasized that insecurity and human trafficking are challenges that require coordinated work with authorities, especially as the country heads into the 2026 World Cup. He therefore stressed that Mexico must be prepared to guarantee safety, mobility, and quality experiences for the millions of visitors who will arrive in the host cities.

"Security doesn't concern us; it preoccupies us. We're working in coordination with authorities to ensure tourist protection. The World Cup will be a great challenge, but we're prepared to embrace it as a historic opportunity," he emphasized.

Skål International Mexico invites you to follow its activities and projects through its official websites www.skalmexico.com and www.skal.org , where current programs, activities, and events are updated.