Kenyan delegates head to World Skal Congress to be held aboard cruise ship in USA

Symphony of the Seas cruise ship. [Courtesy.Standard]

Kenyan delegation to 80th annual World Skal Congress to be held aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships dubbed Symphony of the Seas jetted out of the country on Thursday headed for Miami, USA.

Skal Club is the world's largest association that brings together tourism executives.

Former Kenya Coast Skal President Victor Shitakah said the travel party will comprise of 32 delegates.

Shitakah said it will be led by Kenya Skal President, Mr Mehboob Harunani of Shehnai, Nairobi Region Skal President Sally Kavere and Kenya Coast, President Mr Richard Kinyua among others.

''After we successfully hosted the 79th edition of the global Skal event at the Pride Inn Paradise last year, we are sending a huge delegation to state that Kenya lays importance on global tourism,'' said Shitakah, who is also the Regional General Manager for Pride Inn Hotels (Coast).

Close to 1,200 travel industry professionals from around the world are expected to attend the seven-night voyage departing from Miami, Florida, USA on Saturday, September 14, 2019. 

 ''We are looking forward to being present aboard the ship as we keep the Kenyan flag flying even higher,'' Shitakah said. 

Founded in 1932 in Paris, Skal unites all branches of the travel and tourism industry to promote global tourism, business, and friendship. 

With 15,000 members in 359 clubs throughout 83 nations, Skal is an international professional organization of travel leaders from around the world who gather to share, improve and gather relationships, advice and ideas. 

Miami is the “Cruise Capital of the World” and it is fitting that Skal Miami has chosen a cruise voyage for this important event. 

“We have embarked upon our most exciting year in which our club will host the 2019 World Congress aboard the boldest and innovative cruise ship in the world, right here from our Magic City of Miami,” stated Darrick Eman, President of Skal International Miami. 

Symphony of the Seas is the ultimate business development and networking venue to astonish our trusted travel and tourism leader members and guests with unrivaled experiences.

''This revolutionary first reflects the spirit of the unparalleled sail for our travel executives to explore iconic destinations, experience endless adventure and entertainment, and savor ultimate culinary experiences,''Skal International stated in an earlier statement.
 
Symphony of the Seas features innovations such as the ten-story slide, Ultimate Abyss, twin Flow Rider surf simulators, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag, world-class entertainment, 7 neighborhoods, 20 restaurants and a variety of shopping experiences. 

The World Congress itinerary includes stops at Western Caribbean destinations including Roatán in Honduras, Costa Maya (where the general assembly will be held while the ship is at sea) and Cozumel in Mexico and CocoCay, a private island in the Bahamas.

Skal World Congress organizers are aiming to provide attendees with opportunities for building a business to share ideas and business practices in both formal and informal business sessions.