Skål International India Inaugurates Its 20th Club in Kashmir
Skål International India marked an important milestone with the installation of Skål International Kashmir, its 20th club in the country, at Taj Dal View, Srinagar. This occasion also marked the first time an Indian Chief Minister inaugurated a Skål Club of India in Kashmir. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, presided over the ceremony, which brought together Skålleagues, tourism representatives, hospitality stakeholders, and dignitaries, highlighting tourism’s growing role in the Kashmir Valley.
The installation followed Skål’s formal procedures, including the oath ceremony, pinning of office-bearers and founder members, certificate presentations, and messages from Skål leaders. Skål International Kashmir follows the formation of Skål International Jammu & Kashmir earlier this year as the nation’s 19th club.
Statements from Leaders
• Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir, said that Kashmir welcomes Skål International and aims to work together to promote the region’s landscape and hospitality. He added that B2B networking supports the local economy and strengthens tourism, which remains a key sector for the region.
• Mohan NSN, Vice President, Skål International 2026 & President-Elect 2027, noted that Kashmir has strong potential in the global tourism community. He added that India is becoming an active contributor to the Skål International network.
• Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, shared that the opening of the 20th club reflects confidence in Kashmir’s tourism prospects. He reiterated Skål India’s aim to establish a club in each State and Union Territory and expand further where the industry supports it.
• Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon, Vice President 1, Skål International Kashmir, emphasized collaborative efforts to bring together tourism professionals and highlight Kashmir’s heritage and visitor experiences.
Office Bearers – Skål International Kashmir
President – Sk Zahoor Ahmad Qari
Vice President 1 – Sk Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon
Vice President 2 – Sk Shamim A Shah
Secretary – Sk Ather Yameen Narwari
Treasurer – Sk Mir Anwar
Membership Development Officer – Sk Tanveer Ahmad Khan
Director — PR, Communications & CSR – Sk Irshad Hazari
Auditor – Sk Rahil Patloo
Skål International India Reaffirmed Its Commitment To:
- Supporting sustainable and responsible tourism
- Strengthening engagement with tourism stakeholders across the valley
- Enhancing global visibility and professional exchange
- Contributing to regional socio-economic development through tourism
The installation event featured cultural performances, acknowledgements, and interactions that reflected the spirit of Kashmiri culture, symbolizing collective intent and cooperation within the tourism community. With this inauguration, Skål International India continues to advance its mission of “Doing Business Among Friends” while broadening tourism leadership across the country.
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