Mumbai: India’s rising influence in global tourism was spotlighted at the 54th Skal Asia Congress, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka recently, as Padmashri Dr. Mukesh Batra, President of Skal International South Mumbai, was honoured with two prestigious Asian Awards. The recognition celebrates the chapter’s outstanding contributions to tourism leadership, sustainability, and collaborative growth, reinforcing India’s expanding footprint on the world tourism map.
Themed around “Unity, Leadership, and Transformational Tourism,” the Congress brought together over 275 delegates from 19 countries, including dignitaries such as Skål International President Denise Scrafton, Skål Asia President – Keethi Jayaweera, Skål Colombo President -Ahintha Amarasinghe, Congress Chairperson – Sharmili Vaz, and Skål India National President – Sanjeev Mehra.
Skål International Mumbai South received:
• 1st Runner-Up for Highest Growth in Numbers
• 2nd Runner-Up for Highest Percentage Growth
These awards honour the Mumbai chapter’s dynamic expansion and increasing member engagement over the past year.
Receiving the award, Dr. Batra said, “It was an honour to accept two Asian Awards on behalf of the Skal Club. This recognition comes at a critical time when tourism is evolving toward sustainability, community engagement, and ethical growth. This is a collective recogniton, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our members who have worked tirelessly to make this possible.”
He also took the opportunity to invite delegates from across the globe to visit Mumbai at the Skål India National Congress 2025 in Mumbai to be hosted by Skal Mumbai South.
India had a strong presence at the Congress with over 120 delegates representing 13 clubs, demonstrating Skal India’s growing influence. Other Indian clubs were also recognised at the Congress, but Skål Mumbai South received two awards, underscoring its performance and leadership.
India’s travel and tourism sector has truly taken off, with international visitors spending a staggering $36 billion in 2024; a testament to its growing global appeal and impact. These awards serve as a validation of India’s proactive tourism leadership in a post-pandemic landscape focused on resilience and sustainability and also underline India’s emergence as a key player in the future of global tourism.
The acknowledgment at such a prestigious platform positions Mumbai and India as compelling destinations for global tourists and stakeholders alike. As Skal South Mumbai looks ahead, the chapter is focused on expanding partnerships, hosting international tourism forums, and showcasing India’s unique blend of tradition and innovation to the world.
