NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation, is set to welcome Skål International, the professional association of senior travel and tourism executives, which will be bringing its 74th World Congress to New York City this fall. The gathering will begin on 27 September, 2013, before embarking from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on a first-ever meeting at sea aboard the Carnival Cruise ship Glory. The group, consisting of 1,200 travel industry delegates from around the globe, will conclude their annual event back in New York City on 5 October, 2013, offering attendees an opportunity for post-Congress meetings with NYC-based travel partners as well as tours of the destination.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of New York City’s economy. Last year, the city welcomed a record 52 million visitors who spent nearly US$ 37 billion. It is only fitting that New York City would serve as a backdrop for this year’s 74th annual Skål International World Congress. This prestigious travel association last convened in New York City in 1955. It is hence an honor to have them return to experience the nation’s number one big city tourism destination. To date, we’re pleased to announce that nearly 900 people have registered for the upcoming Skål International World Congress,” said George Fertitta, CEO, NYC & Company.
“The response from our global membership for the 2013 Skål International World Congress has been overwhelming. Our dedicated volunteer committee has been working on this event since October 2011 after winning the 2013 bid at the congress in Turku, Finland. We thank NYC & Company for all their support to help us secure New York City for the 74th World Congress,” said John J. Ruzich, OBE, Chairman, Skål New York Host Committee.
Many of the Club’s members will be providing the Congress attendees incentives to visit their businesses and attractions while in the city as tourism is an important part of their annual revenue. Non-Skål companies who wish to reach this audience must first become Club members.
