Over 400 participants and 45 countries were represented at the Skål International 2022 World Congress. The conference represented a get-together of tourism industry representatives and also a chance for the association to finalise elections for 2023 while also approving new governance. The in-person Congress was hosted in Opatija, Croatia on 17 October 2022 with a Gala Dinner held at the Crystal Ballroom of the Kvrner Opatija. Skål International world president Burcin Turkkan welcomed over 400 ‘Skålleagues’ and local dignitatories and said: “The tourism industry is coming back with robust enthusiasm”. The 2023 Executive Board elected included:
- President elect: Juan Steta, from Mexico
- Senior vice-president: Annette Cardenas, from Panama
- Vice-president: Denise Scrafton, from Australia
- Director: Marja Eela-Kaskinen, from Finland
- Director: Andres Hayes, from United States
- Director: Mohan NSN, from India
- Auditor: Katica Hauptfeld, from Croatia
- Deputy auditor: Denis Smith, from Canada
A new Governance Plan proposed for the organisation also was approved. “I want to be your transformational leader,” Turkkan told the Congress as she presented her plans for 2022. “Our members have again shown that they are ready for radical change to meet the new world. We are members of #thechangeables and we know that change is not a force to be feared but an opportunity to be seized. “Our organisation stands on the cusp of positive evolution and we are excited about the future of our organisation as we know that highly successful people are willing to be uncomfortable in the interest of growth.” The president added that there was an opportunity to revitalise the organisation.
