Skål International International São Paulo marked its 70th anniversary on October 20, 2025, at The History, bringing together leaders from the tourism trade to celebrate the journey of Brazil’s first Skål International club—recognized as the 143rd club of the World Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals.

Unlike corporate entities, Skål International associates individual professionals, strengthening peer-to-peer networking.

Skål International São Paulo is a member of the Municipal Tourism Council (COMTUR) and also the State of São Paulo Tourism Council (CONTURESP) where Aristides Cury, the club’s president, serves as Executive Secretary appointed by Roberto de Lucena, São Paulo State Secretary of Tourism and Travel—and was unanimously elected by council members.

The evening included tributes to Leslie Benveniste and Ricardo Roman, both former presidents of Skål International São Paulo, representing the generations of Skålleagues who, throughout seven decades of uninterrupted activity, upheld sector best practices under Skål International’s signature toast—wishes of good health, friendship, happiness, and long life. The ceremony revisited historic milestones and highlighted the entity’s current role as a bridge between the market, academia, and the public sector. 

Aristides Cury, president of Skål International São Paulo: “Skål International was founded in 1934 and, thanks to its positioning, became a full member of the United Nations. In São Paulo, it is a member of COMTUR and CONTURESP. Today, our entity is active across the territory, for example by promoting gatherings to debate themes that are essential to the sector as a whole”.

Walter Teixeira, president of Skål International Brazil: “It is an honor to be here celebrating 70 years of Skål International São Paulo. Our focus is to bring in new Skålleagues among early-career professionals, ages 25 to 35, and to serve high school students, ages 15 to 17, through the ‘Turismo trampo legal’ program—promoting sustainable development from social, environmental, and management perspectives”.

Carlos Prado, president of Skål International São Paulo and chairman of the first support company that help to maintain Skål International Club, Tour House Group, emphasized a strategic commitment to gender and racial diversity among members, bringing in diversity to the Skål International members. “We must face this challenge together and reflect reality (over 50% of Brazil’s population is female and over 50% identify as Pardo or Black)”. 

Mônica Samia, Executive Secretary at the São Paulo State Secretariat of Tourism and Travel—representing Secretary Roberto de Lucena—saluted all Skålleagues on the club’s 70th anniversary. 

The evening continued with the traditional Skål International toast, followed by the 'Incredible years' show performed by resident artists at The History.

There were warm thanks to all supporters of the celebration. 

Photos copywright: Gregory Grigoragi.