SKÅL International Thailand (SIT), the national representative committee of SKÅL International – the world’s largest global association of travel and tourism professionals in 100 countries – has appointed a new Executive Committee comprising members from the country’s six SKÅL clubs, notably Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi.
The new committee under the leadership of newly elected President, Kevin Rautenbach will support the country’s six clubs in building membership, engaging young tourism professionals and promoting SKÅL’s key mission of “Doing sustainable business among friends.”
“Despite the industry’s challenges of the past few years, said Mr. Rautenbach: “SIT has continued to thrive under the leadership of Immediate Past President, Wolfgang Grimm and our International Councillor, Heike Garçon Suiheran. Through lockdowns and travel restrictions, regular Zoom conferences with our clubs and a series of creative initiatives to support and engage members has enabled us to strengthen our network.”
“For 2023 my focus will be to give back to our members through several programs and partnerships. We have already taken steps to save on annual membership fees and now that travel has restarted, we will use some funds to enhance our #RediscoverThailand program – a consumer-focused tourism campaign designed to drive traffic directly to members businesses,” he added.
Another focus will be the ‘SKÅL Talks Thailand’ program – a webinar series launched in 2020 to support members through the pandemic tourism recovery process. Featuring, talks, panels and workshops hosted by industry experts and personalities, the series provided invaluable expertise as well as fresh and creative ideas to renew and rebuild the industry for a changed world.
“I see 2023 taking this great initiative, so far driven primarily by SKÅL Koh Samui, to the next level.”
Mr. Rautenbach added, “And with the profile of clubs such as Bangkok we hope to continue to attract high profile speakers from all sectors of relevance to our industry.”
Meanwhile, SIT’s destination marketing websites for each SKÅL Thailand destination will be given additional funding for their development. The 7 destination specific websites focus on promoting different areas and aspects of Thailand, and members’ tourism related enterprises, this as a service to and at no cost to them.
“Meanwhile, sustainability which has been a key focus and passion of Wolfgang Grimm’s presidency will continue to be a priority,” said Mr. Rautenbach. “A sustainable approach is the only way forward for our industry and by now I believe that most of our members have either adopted or plan to ensure their businesses operates in accordance with internationally accepted best practices. Our campaign will continue at club and national level with various initiatives such as Wolfgang’s ‘To Bee or Not to Bee’ campaign to regenerate Thailand’s vital bee population.
“Having attended the SI World Congress in Croatia in October,” said Mr. Rautenbach, “I am confident that we are on track for an exciting new era of streamlining and rebuilding. This venerable organisation has embraced great change thanks to the leadership of its dynamic Immediate Past President Burcin Turkkan which can only mean a positive future for the organisation and its members. I am proud to be at the helm to lead SIT through these exciting times and firmly believe in our motto ‘Strength through Collaboration – We are stronger together.’”
About SKÅL International
SKÅL International is the world’s largest global network of Tourism Professionals promoting Tourism, Travel, Business and Friendship worldwide since 1934. Its 13,000+ members are Directors and Executives of the Tourism sector who connect with each other to address issues of common interest, improving a business network and promoting destinations. For more information, please visit skal.org.
About Kevin Rautenbach, President, SKAL International Thailand
Kevin Rautenbach is a South African national who has spent most part of the past 17 years in Thailand. He is Managing Director & Co Founder at Miand Asia and newly elected President of SKÅL International Thailand. He was formerly President of SKÅL International Krabi, Vice President of SKÅL International Thailand, and VP SEA at SKÅL Asia.
Since 1994, he has acquired a wealth of international hospitality experience in Europe and Asia specializing in operations and revenue management. In 2006 he switched to the online travel business in Southeast Asia and now works across the region with a consortium of consultants helping partners navigate the new normal as brought about by the pandemic. ke***@*************ch.com
