SKÅLITE, the one and only award, rewarding quality in the travel and tourism industry, created by Skål International Istanbul’s former president Hulya Aslantas in 1998, who then became Skål International President in 2008.

To date, SKÅLITE has proven to last as the only tourism award scheme in Turkey that is presented without any interruption and growing success.

The aim of the SKÅLITE Awards is, to set examples for tourism industry leaders, highlight quality as a management philosophy, reward outstanding people, companies, associations, and organizations that endeavors to raise quality standards in the industry. By doing so, we aim to encourage all the entities in the tourism sector to focus on quality, thus contributing to the development of the tourism industry. SKÅLITE has also proven to be an important tool for the recognition of Skål International and keeping Istanbul among the largest Clubs of the world.

SKÅLITE, is the brand name for these awards merging the 2 words, SKÅL and KALİTE (Quality in Turkish and French).

SKÅLITE, traditionally have always been a black-tie event bringing together the crème de la crème of the Turkish tourism industry. This year due to Covid-19 limitations, Skål International Istanbul board decided to organize the event on a digital platform. This time instead of the industry, awards were given to all its members, rewarding their resilience in these unprecedented times, by planting trees in their names in the tourism forest created in Hatay, a project of tourism and hospitality academia.

A special 3-minute video was shown with highlights from the past 23 years of SKÅLITE with 11 former presidents:

Skål International Istanbul invited not only the Skål International management to this digital event but also the Presidents of its Twin Clubs around the world.  Skål International Senior VP Burçin Türkkan and Skål International CEO Daniela Otero joined the event, Skål International President Elect Bill Rheaume has sent a video conveying good wishes. Also, the twin clubs of Skål International Istanbul did not disappoint and Presidents of Paris, Rome, and Sydney, namely Karine Coulanges, Paolo Bartolozzi and Melinda Brown connected and shared memories, hopes & wishes. In addition, Rome Club was present with their former Presidents; Augusto Minei, Antonio Percario.

Following the official part and speeches, the event went on with hearth warming messages remembering earlier SKÅLITE events shared by members and former Presidents. The highlight of the evening was Tuluyhan Uğurlu the world renown Turkish pianist and composer performing live from his home studio. He played 3 amazing compositions and shared his best wishes with the Skål International world.

With around 100 participants, the webinar zoom lasted about 2 hours and as complimented by all participants, it was a hugely enjoyable Skål International gathering inspiring good vibes for 2021.