Skal International USA Explores Strategic Alliances With Several High Profile Washington, DC Based National Travel Organizations

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Skal International USA recently undertook an initiative to bring new relevance to the organization with the goal of attracting new members, retaining members and developing paths to leadership.  One of the key action items was to meet with executive leadership for other national high-profile travel related associations, particularly those based in Washington, D.C., to explore a structured form of affiliation with each. 

President John Mavros lead a Skal USA delegation in Washington D.C. that was joined by members of Skal International D.C.  September 12-14, the group met with Malcom Smith, SVP of Business Development for IPW US Travel Association; Kelly Bigel, Manager of Chapter Development for the American Society of Travel Agents; Jack Johnson, Chief Advocacy Officer for the Destination Marketing Association International; Matt MacLaren, SVP of the American Hotel & Lodging Association; Pete Pantuso, CEO of the American Bus Association; Nigusu Worku, Regional Director of Sales for Ethiopian Airways; and with several leaders from the Student Youth Travel Association and the National Tour Association.

"I was very encouraged by our reception in Washington, D.C. and I have no doubt it will bear fruit.  We have real energy, similar strategies and goals between our organization, which will only strengthen our visibility and membership," said Skal International USA President Mavros.  "The Washington D.C. Skal Club was instrumental in making our arrangements and I couldn't be more thankful," he continued.

All organization leaders pledged to collaborate and raise the awareness of Skal in the U.S. in a variety of ways. Discussions ranged from formal affiliations with mutual benefits to selected Skal news items being featured in communiqués to respective members.  The initiative was launched when John Mavros was elected Skal International USA President and forming the Futures Committee Chaired by Tim Hemphill. 

Skål International, the only international organization with approximately 15000 members worldwide bringing together sectors of the travel and tourism industry while networking, conducting business and helping communities locally, nationally and internationally. SKAL USA is the second largest National Committee within SKAL International with 2,200 members nationwide. For more information about SKAL International, SKAL International USA and membership opportunities, please visit www.siusa.org.

CONTACT: Burcin Turkkan, [email protected]

SOURCE Skal International USA