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Skålleagues across Asia and beyond are counting down the days to the highly anticipated 54th SKÅL Asia Area Congress, set to occur in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from Thursday, June 26 to Sunday, June 29, 2025. Hosted by SKÅL International Colombo, this year’s event has attracted record registered delegates and partners, including a strong showing from Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and throughout Asia, including a record-breaking 100+ attendees from India.

A Global Network

SKÅL International, the world’s largest and oldest global tourism association, currently has 12,120 members in 296 clubs across 79 countries, according to the latest data on https://www.skal.org. The Colombo Congress offers a unique opportunity for members to connect, collaborate, and celebrate tourism through friendship.

A Regional Draw

Interest in this year’s Congress is extreme because the 2025 SKÅL World Congress is being held in Peru—a long-haul and often costly journey for many Asian members. Travel from Bangkok to Cusco spans over 19,000 kilometres (approx. 11,800 miles) and takes 24–26 hours, compared to just 3.5 to 4 hours flying time to Colombo. This convenience has made the Asia Area Congress a top priority on the Skål calendar.

Host Hotel & Accommodations

The official Congress Headquarters Hotel is the Taj Samudra Colombo, a premier five-star property located along Galle Face Green. It offers ocean views, fine dining, and top-tier conference facilities.

In addition to the Taj Samudra, various alternative accommodation options have been arranged to suit every budget. Delegates may choose from nearby hotels offering easy access to the Congress venue and event sites.

Program Highlights: Four Days of Culture, Networking & Celebration

Thursday, June 26 – Arrivals & Welcome

All-day arrivals and hotel transfers
8:00 AM: Registration opens at Taj Samudra
9:00 AM: SKÅL Asia Board Meeting (Regency Room)
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Welcome Party on the North Lawn (Dress: Smart Casual)

Friday, June 27 – Ceremony, B2B & Culture

8:45 AM: Opening Ceremony at Samudra Ballroom (Dress: Formal, Chains of Office)
12:30 PM: Group Photo (North Lawn)
12:45 PM: Lunch (Crystal Ballroom)
1:30 PM: B2B Networking with top Sri Lankan DMCs
3:30 PM: Depart for High Tea at Lotus Tower
7:15 PM: Cultural Sri Lankan Dinner at Nuga Gama, Cinnamon Grand(Dress: Traditional/Sarong)

Saturday, June 28 – Assembly, Legacy & Gala Night

9:00 AM:54th SKÅL Asia Annual General Assembly(Crystal Ballroom – Business Formal)
12:15 PM: Tree Planting Ceremony (Taj Gardens)
12:30 PM: Lunch hosted by SKÅL Macau
1:30 PM: Club Presidents’ Meeting (Gregory Room)
3:00 PM: Colombo City Tour
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Gala Dinner at Taj Grand Marquee (Black Tie / Formal with Chains of Office)

Sunday, June 29 – Farewells & Exploration

7:00 AM: Breakfast at Ports of Call
Delegates check out and depart for optional post-Congress tours to explore more of Sri Lanka.

Top 5 Experiences in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Rock Fortress– A UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking views.
The Cultural Triangle– Discover ancient cities in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Kandy & Tea Country– Visit lush plantations and the sacred Temple of the Tooth relic.
Yala National Park– Go on safari to spot leopards, elephants, and more.
Galle Fort & Southern Beaches– Colonial architecture, cafés, and pristine coastline.

Final Call: Limited Space Remaining

Due to overwhelming demand, the Congress is nearly complete. Any new registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis only.