Hyderabad professional elected first Indian, Asian World President of SKÅL International

Hyderabad, Nov 3 (TNT): Hyderabad-based tourism professional NSN Mohan has been elected World President of SKÅL International for 2027, becoming the first Indian and Asian to head the global tourism organisation in its 93-year history.

Mohan, a member of SKÅL International Hyderabad 606, was elected at the 85th SKÅL International World Congress 2026 held recently at Gqeberha in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.

His election marks a significant milestone for India’s travel and tourism industry, placing an Indian professional at the helm of an international network of tourism leaders, the organisation said.

Founded in 1932, SKÅL International is a global professional organisation representing the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

It has around 13,000 members across 295 clubs in 78 countries, including 22 clubs in 19 Indian cities.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 40th anniversary celebrations of SKÅL International Hyderabad, Mohan said his priorities included expanding the organisation’s global presence to 100 countries and 350 cities and increasing membership to 15,000.

He also emphasised the need to improve membership retention and strengthen engagement with the Union and State governments to promote tourism development.

Mohan said the organisation’s international network of tourism professionals could be utilised to promote Indian destinations and facilitate partnerships among tourism businesses across countries.

D Ramchandram, Co-Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), said Mohan’s election offered Hyderabad and Telangana an opportunity to enhance their international tourism profile.

He said the global network could help promote Telangana’s heritage, spiritual, nature and rural tourism destinations, besides connecting local hotels, resorts and tour operators with international partners and attracting tourism investments.

Dr Valmiki Harikishan, President of SKÅL International Hyderabad, described Mohan’s elevation as a proud moment for the Hyderabad club and the Indian tourism fraternity.

He said the recognition should be leveraged to develop international tourism partnerships and promote Telangana as a global destination.

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