Sustainability Engagement Group (SEG)

Sustainability practices in tourism and hospitality are essential for ensuring that tourism benefits both present and future generations. By balancing environmental protection, economic growth, and cultural preservation, the industry can create positive experiences for travelers while supporting local communities. The mission of the Skål USA Sustainability Group is to spotlight best practices by Skål USA clubs in responsible tourism as an important element in a club’s effort to be nominated for Skål International Club of the Year. The Sustainability Engagement Group encourages strong representation and active participation by Skål USA clubs to facilitate the sharing and promotion of best practices in sustainability by Skål USA club members.

In 2025, Skål International, through their annual Skål Sustainability Awards, reached a historic milestone with 106 entries from 30 countries. Skål International Mérida (Mexico) was named the 2025 Club of the Year, recognized for outstanding activity and alignment with organizational values, which strongly emphasize sustainability.

Skål Sustainability Kit

Get Involved

Calling All Sustainability Champions!

Skål USA is committed to advancing sustainability throughout the tourism and hospitality industry. Through our clubs, we have a unique opportunity to serve as leaders, advocates, and ambassadors for the more than 12,000 members of Skål International worldwide.

To further this commitment, the Skål USA Sustainability Engagement Group (SEG) invites each U.S. Club to designate a Sustainability Champion who will represent them in a monthly one-hour virtual meeting.

These meetings provide a forum for sharing successful sustainability initiatives, exchanging best practices, and discussing ideas that clubs can implement within the current calendar year. The goal is to encourage meaningful projects that can be completed locally and potentially submitted for consideration in the annual Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards.

In addition, Skål USA will highlight and promote club sustainability efforts through monthly newsletters and social media channels. Sustainability Champions will play an important role in providing updates and helping showcase the positive impact being made across our organization.

Prospective Sustainability Champions can submit their name and contact information to Iris Salazar at irissalazarmail@gmail.com.

Together, we can strengthen Skål USA’s leadership in sustainability and contribute to a more responsible and resilient future for the travel and tourism industry.

Yours in Skål!

Become a Sustainability Champion

Recognition

Skål International Sustainability Awards

The Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards are a prestigious global competition that recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and best practices in responsible travel. Open to public and private entities, NGOs, and government agencies, the awards celebrate initiatives that balance environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

🌿 Environmental

Nature preservation, carbon footprint reduction, and resource efficiency.

🤝 Social

Cultural preservation, local community involvement, and fair labor practices.

💼 Economic

Local employment, long-term profitability, and employee training.

Skål International Sustainability Award Application

Annual Sustainability Award applications are due on May 31 with winners announced at the Annual World Congress

Giving Back

A Living Tribute

The Skål USA Sustainability Group supports A Living Tribute by honoring friends and loved ones with the gift of trees benefitting present and future generations. Honor someone by planting trees in multiple forests throughout the National Forest system where the need is currently the greatest. You can also plant your tribute tree through Forest Friends by selecting “Forests with the Greatest Need” on any card or gift.

Plant a Tribute Tree

Skål members receive a 10% discount.