The countdown has begun for the Skal India National Congress 2025, and under the leadership of Dr Mukesh Batra, President of Skal International South Mumbai, the event promises to be a landmark in India’s tourism narrative. This is not just another industry congregation; it is an ambitious platform designed to create long-term strategic value for India’s global tourism network. By uniting global Skal leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, the Congress aims to position India as a top-tier destination that blends tradition with innovation while reimagining tourism for a fast-changing world.

At the heart of this Congress is the theme “Tourism in an Evolving World.” It reflects the urgent need for tourism to respond to today’s challenges: climate change, digital transformation, shifting traveller preferences, and new expectations for sustainability. South Mumbai, now recognised as one of the fastest-growing Skal clubs both in numbers and percentage, stands as a symbol of this transformation. Its success stems from inclusive strategies that welcomed younger professionals, women leaders, and voices from emerging segments like medical tourism, wellness travel, and experiential journeys. This momentum is now being channelled into a Congress that is set to attract global attention.

What makes Skal India National Congress 2025 distinctive is its multidimensional approach. It is not only about networking but also about shaping policy frameworks, encouraging investment, and driving meaningful dialogues. Destinations like Kashmir will take centre stage, serving as powerful case studies of resilience, peace, and renewal. By shining the spotlight on regions that are reclaiming their place on the global map, the Congress underscores how partnerships, policies, and people-driven initiatives can transform challenges into opportunities.

Another defining aspect of the Congress is its focus on synergy between tradition and innovation. From showcasing Ayurveda as wellness tourism 2.0 to exploring AI-driven travel solutions and smart infrastructure, the event will bridge India’s ancient cultural wealth with modern advancements. This deliberate fusion reinforces India’s dual identity – a civilisation rooted in heritage yet boldly future-ready.

The Congress also arrives at a moment when India has achieved a milestone of $36 billion in international visitor spending. With this achievement comes the responsibility to ensure that tourism growth is ethical, inclusive, and sustainable. By engaging communities, collaborating with NGOs, and emphasising eco-tourism, heritage preservation, and livelihood creation, Skal South Mumbai is determined to show how tourism can be both profitable and purposeful.

As anticipation builds, the Skal India National Congress 2025 is shaping up to be more than an event. It is a statement of intent. It is India telling the world that its tourism future will not just compete globally but inspire globally.

In an exclusive conversation with Travel and Tour World, Dr Mukesh Batra, President of SKAL International South Mumbai, shares his vision for the Skal India National Congress 2025. Set to be hosted in South Mumbai, this landmark event goes beyond ceremonial networking to create a transformative platform for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in global tourism. Dr Batra outlines how inclusivity, cross-border partnerships, and the synergy of tradition with innovation will shape the Congress, positioning India as a future-ready tourism hub and a key player in the evolving global travel landscape.

1. Under your leadership, how is this upcoming event by Skal International South Mumbai expected to create strategic value for India’s global tourism network? What outcomes or collaborations are anticipated that will benefit key stakeholders across the travel and hospitality ecosystem?

Under my leadership, Skal India National Congress 2025 aims to be more than a ceremonial gathering; it is a strategic platform to forge global partnerships, promote cross-border tourism, and position India as a top-tier, experience-driven destination. By bringing together global Skal leaders, policymakers, influencers, and tourism stakeholders, we are creating space for collaborative innovation. The Congress will focus on actionable dialogues around investment, sustainability, digital transformation, and new-age travel trends. For stakeholders, this means direct access to global best practices, potential joint ventures, and business opportunities that align with India’s evolving tourism narrative.

2. Skal South Mumbai was recently recognized for both “Highest Growth in Numbers” and “Highest Percentage Growth.” What specific initiatives or leadership strategies led to this remarkable expansion and member engagement? As President of the Club, what is your overarching vision for the National Congress 2025?

These awards are the outcome of a deliberate focus on inclusivity, innovation, and value-driven engagement. We broadened membership beyond traditional verticals, welcoming younger professionals, women leaders, and entrepreneurs from allied sectors such as wellness tourism, medical tourism, and experiential travel. Our events go beyond networking mixers – they are intentional forums enriched with meaningful content, cultural depth, and tangible takeaways.  My vision for the Congress is to establish it as a landmark event on the global SKAL calendar – one that showcases India’s diversity, thought leadership, and hospitality, while setting a new benchmark for collaboration between Indian and international tourism stakeholders.

3. With the theme “Tourism in an Evolving World,” what major insights or actionable frameworks do you expect will emerge from the Skal India National Congress 2025? How will these shape the future of Indian tourism – particularly in dynamic regions like Kashmir that are undergoing a tourism resurgence?

“Tourism in an Evolving World” is more than just a theme – it’s a call to reimagine tourism in the context of climate change, digital disruption, and evolving traveler mindsets. A key focus will be on regenerative tourism, where tourism contributes to healing rather than harming. We’ll also explore how India can respond to the expectations of new-age travelers who value authenticity, purpose, and sustainability.

Kashmir will be spotlighted as a case study: a region of immense natural beauty and emotional significance, now reclaiming its place on the global tourism map. We will delve into how peace, policy, and partnerships can transform such destinations into resilient and inspiring tourism success stories.

4. India’s international visitor spending has reached $36 billion—a remarkable milestone. How is Skal International South Mumbai leveraging this momentum through the Congress, especially in terms of promoting sustainable tourism, community inclusion, and ethical growth?

This milestone reflects both opportunity and responsibility. At Skal South Mumbai, we see our role as a catalyst for ethical growth – not just economic growth. The Congress will highlight sustainable travel models, including eco-tourism, heritage preservation, and local livelihood creation. We are collaborating with NGOs, community leaders, and policy makers to ensure tourism is inclusive benefiting not just urban centers but also rural, tribal, and culturally rich pockets of India. Ethical travel, responsible tourism, and human-centric hospitality will form the core pillars of our discussions and action plans.

5. One of the themes of this Congress is the synergy of tradition and innovation. How will Skal South Mumbai’s upcoming event embody this blend to position India as a distinctive and future-ready destination for global tourists and investors?

India thrives at the crossroads of ancient civilization and cutting-edge innovation. The Congress will mirror this dual identity – offering immersive experiences of our heritage (music, cuisine, craft, and culture) alongside thought-provoking sessions on AI in travel, smart tourism infrastructure, and digital storytelling.

Whether it’s promoting Ayurveda as wellness tourism 2.0 or showcasing how heritage hotels are going green through tech integration, we aim to present India as a land where tradition enhances innovation. By doing so, we reinforce India’s position not just as a destination, but as an idea – timeless yet forward-looking.

« Back to Page