Skål International India Opens 20th Club in Kashmir as Tourism Collaboration Grows

Skål International Expands Its Network with Launch in Srinagar

Skål International India marked a milestone with the installation of its twentieth club, Skål International Kashmir, at Taj Dal View, Srinagar. The inauguration was presided over by Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, making it the first time an Indian Chief Minister inaugurated a Skål Club. The occasion brought together Skålleagues, tourism leaders, hospitality stakeholders and dignitaries, highlighting the ongoing importance of tourism in the Kashmir Valley.

The ceremony followed official Skål protocols, including the oath-taking and pinning of office-bearers and founder members, certificate presentations, recognition of tourism contributors, and messages of support from Skål leaders. The new club builds on the organisation’s expanding presence in the region, following the installation of Skål International Jammu & Kashmir earlier this year as India’s nineteenth club.

Omar Abdullah said, “Kashmir welcomes Skål International with open arms — together, we will invite the world to rediscover our peace, beauty and hospitality. Any B2B networking is good for the Kashmir economy. Tourism is our key business and Skål International India is doing excellent work — we are happy to see Kashmir in the spotlight for Skål International India.”

Mohan NSN, Vice President, Skål International 2026 and President-Elect 2027, noted that Kashmir’s appeal continues to resonate globally, stating, “Kashmir is a destination that touches hearts — Skål International stands committed to empowering its tourism community with global opportunities. India is now one of the most dynamic forces in the Skål World community — our progress is truly outstanding.”

Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, spoke about the organisation’s national expansion and said, “Our twentieth club in India reflects our belief in Kashmir’s power to inspire global travel and drive sustainable tourism growth. Our goal is to establish at least one club in every State and Union Territory — and even multiple clubs where the industry size demands it.”

Adding to this, Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon, Vice President 1, Skål International Kashmir, emphasised the need for collaborative progress and said, “Our mission is to unite every tourism professional here to showcase Kashmir’s timeless heritage and unmatched experiences to the world.”

The newly appointed office bearers for Skål International Kashmir include 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 and CSR Sk Irshad Hazari, and Auditor Sk Rahil Patloo.

Skål International India reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism development, strengthening alliances with stakeholders in the Kashmir Valley, promoting global visibility and professional exchange, and supporting socio-economic development through tourism.

The installation evening incorporated Kashmiri cultural performances, felicitations and expressions of camaraderie, reflecting unity and a shared outlook for the future of tourism in the region. With this inauguration, Skål International India continues its vision of “Doing Business Among Friends” and expands its footprint across the country’s tourism landscape.