The document discusses expanding SKAL International's corporate membership categories to be more inclusive of the tourism industry. It suggests removing barriers to membership like outdated applications and strictly enforced categories. The author argues that by trying to strictly define qualifications, SKAL risks excluding valuable members and industries. They ask SKAL to consider "Who are we saying NO to?" when evaluating new categories.

1. Describing a SKAL Corporate Affiliate is Like
Describing an Elephant
Difficult to describe but you know them when you see them.
I’m pleased that the ISC is considering opening new SKAL categories to meet
the needs of one of the fastest growing and largest industries in the world. I
would like to see SKAL continue to maintain its position as the premier
organization of tourism professionals including senior management and
young professionals. I think it’s important to maintain exclusivity but also become more inclusive, removing as
many barriers to membership as possible (outdated applications, membership categories strictly enforced).
Perhaps we should work together to address barriers to SKAL membership? A brief example, It’s not often, but
every once in a while a SKAL application will get rejected because the applicant doesn’t fit into the classic
categories of SKAL members. The local clubs know these individuals and believe these individuals would be a
contributing member to the SKAL movement. Tourism embraces all aspects of our society. By trying to strictly
define qualifications for membership based on limited definitions in the by-laws is restricting.
Perhaps, “Please email for exact pricing and details on joining the world’s largest networking association of
tourism professionals, SKAL International.”, would suffice regarding whom can become a member.
So as we consider the new category for corporate
membership, perhaps we should ask the question,
“Who are we saying NO to?”.
Wishing you all the best,
Focus on Member Benefits
Marketing cost advantages for a member
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Promote your company brand and profile on www.SKAL.org and begin to network with other SKAL
members.
Showcase your news and events in the SKAL eNewsletter distributed globally to industry professionals.
Participate and win in the SKAL Sustainable Tourism Awards.
Discounts to attend SKAL events and SKAL endorsed events
SKAL Also negotiates discounts at other industry events on behalf of its members
Free copy of SKAL magazine
Leadership and advocacy opportunities for a member
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Eligible to share your area of expertise by joining a SKAL Taskforce.
Voice your opinion, influence and impact tourism within your region and globally.
Achieve sustainable objectives through our many projects
Networking and mentoring opportunities with SKAL and Young SKAL members.

2. Unique networking opportunities for a member
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Connect to a community of more than 17,000 SKAL members worldwide
Associate with 450- local chapters globally
Volunteer your services on a SKAL Committee that address industry issues such as Membership
Development, Sustainability, etc
Eligible to serve on SKAL Board of industry peers to set and influence Tourism trends
Network across sectors of the Tourism industry at SKAL events
High-profile speaking opportunities at events organized and endorsed by SKAL
Right to use the SKAL logo and collaterals
The membership values of the above discounts, if acted upon, is in excess of US$5,000
Examples of Possible Membership Categories from PATA
Premier Partners
Amadeus Asia Limited
Amadeus is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Customer
groups include travel providers....
Thailand
Visa Worldwide Pte Ltd
Visa Inc. operates the world's largest retail electronic payments network providing processing services and
payment product platforms. This in....
Singapore
Premier Media Partners
CNN
CNN is the world's leading global 24-hour news network and one of the world's most respected and trusted
sources for news and information.
FORTUNE
FORTUNE reaches over 371,000 readers in Asia Pacific and is a global leader in business journalism with a
global readership of nearly 5 million.
Hong Kong SAR
TIME
TIME Asia has an audience of 1.5 million readers and is a global multimedia brand that reaches over 40 million
people worldwide.
Hong Kong SAR

3. Strategic Partner
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site,* enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip.
United States
Preferred Partners
Chartis Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
Singapore
comScore, Inc.
comScore is a global leader in measuring the digital world and the preferred source of digital marketing
intelligence.
USA
Dragon Trail Interactive
Dragon Trail is the premier brand engagement firm to help travel and tourism organizations to connect to
Chinese consumers .
China (PRC)
PhoCusWright
PhoCusWright is the travel industry research authority on how travelers, suppliers and intermediaries connect.
United States
SinoTech Group
SinoTech Group is a technology orientated, performance-based digital marketing company. Founded in early
2007, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai.
China (PRC)
STR Global
STR Global, the leading provider of market data to the world’s hotel industry, provides a single source of global
hotel data .
United Kingdom
Travel Channel International Limited

4. United Kingdom
Travelindex Network
ABOUT TRAVELINDEX: Travelindex is building the most comprehensive travel and tourism database with
human-edited.
Singapore
Alliance Partners
Airports Council International (ACI)
ACI Asia-Pacific, one of the five ACI regions, is based in Hong Kong and represents the interests of over 480
airports around the Asia-Pacific Region.
Hong Kong SAR
American Society of Travel Agents, Inc.
ASTA, short for the American Society of Travel Agents, is the world's largest association of travel
professionals.
USA
ATAG - Air Transport Action Group
ATAG is a coalition of organisations and companies throughout the air transport industry that drive air transport
infrastructure improvements.
Switzerland
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Cruise Lines International Association is the world's largest cruise association and is dedicated to the promotion
and growth of the cruise industry.
International Air Transportation Association (IATA)
IATA Is an international trade body, created over 60 years ago by a group of airlines. Today,
IATA represents some 240 airlines comprising 84% of ....
Switzerland
United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation is the leading international organization in the field of travel
and tourism.
Spain

5. United States Travel Association (USTA)
The U.S. Travel Association is a dynamic, mission-driven association committed to increasing travel to and
within the United States.
World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of
the world by engaging business.
Switzerland
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
The World Travel &Tourism Council (WTTC) is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism
industry.
Tourism is the World’s Largest Industry
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Airline
Airport
Consulting
Cruise Line
Destination Management Company
Education
Event Venue
Finance
Government (Tourism Organization)
Hotel Chain/Hospitality Management Company
Individual
Individual Hotel property
Insurance
Media
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On-line Travel Business
Others
Affiliate Hotel
Retail Travel Agent
Students
Tour Operator (Multi-Offices/Units)
Tour Operator (Single Office)
Tourist Attraction
Transportation Provider
Travel Agent
Travel Association