Cancún, Mexico — The Hard Rock Cancún hotel hosted the third regulatory meeting of the year for Skal Isla Mujeres-Puerto Morelos (Club723) last Friday, presided over by its President, businessman Federico Gil Santiago. The event, held in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, was styled in the spirit of Hard Rock, transporting attendees to the golden era of 90s music.
A Memorable Gathering
The meeting featured spectacular lighting reminiscent of a grand concert finale, with decorative guitars adorning the tables. Before entering the Rock 4 hall, guests enjoyed a variety of hors d'oeuvres and an extensive selection of cocktails, complemented by the presence of impressively decorated living statues. This unique experience set the tone for an event designed to offer a fresh perspective on Skal gatherings under the supervision of host Fernando Cardoso.
Among the distinguished attendees were Rico Magaña, Director of Tourism for Isla Mujeres; Raúl Guadarrama García, Director of Tourism for Puerto Morelos; and Israel Francisco Malacon Osuna, Profeco delegate for the region. The gathering served as a platform for fostering interaction and networking among tourism professionals.
Strengthening Tourism and Membership
During his address, Federico Gil Santiago emphasized the importance of keeping members informed about the club’s activities. He expressed confidence that each board of directors leaves a positive legacy and contributes significantly to the sector’s improvement.
"Continuing to promote tourism and friendship among tourism professionals is vital," Gil Santiago stated. "Skal is dedicated to advancing tourism and networking, uniting all areas of the sector, from hospitality to nautical tourism and the restaurant industry."
A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a nearly 20% increase in membership, now totaling 46 active members. Gil Santiago welcomed seven new members and two prospects, including representatives from two hotels in the Costa Mujeres area. This growth reflects the rising interest among tourism professionals in joining the club and collaborating to promote the destination.
Innovations and Modernization
A significant innovation introduced during the meeting was the creation of the first admissions manual for new members, aimed at formalizing the integration process and aligning it with new classifications established by Skal’s International Committee. Gil Santiago noted the inclusion of social media influencers in these classifications, reflecting the club’s adaptation to current tourism trends.
Attendees were invited to visit the club’s official website for updated information on events and activities: https://www.skalislamujerespuertomorelos.org/.
National Assembly and Financial Transparency
Gil Santiago highlighted the success of the first national assembly held in Puerto Morelos, which brought together over 250 Skal members from across the country. The event also featured the presence of international BIPI Andrés Jaez and other national club presidents.
Financial transparency was another focal point, with Gil Santiago presenting the club’s financial statements for the first four months of the year. He announced that financial reports would now be issued quarterly to ensure better oversight and review by members, reinforcing the board’s commitment to open and accessible management.
Digital Transformation and Future Plans
The meeting also addressed digital transformation, including new features on the club’s website to enhance user experience. Gil Santiago introduced an online attendance confirmation system for regulatory meetings and encouraged members to follow the club’s new Instagram account, @clubskal723, after the previous account could not be recovered.
Two sister-city partnerships were announced for the year: one with the Veracruz club and another with Querétaro, under the presidency of Miguel Ángel González. A "fantrip" is planned for this summer as part of the latter partnership.
Additionally, the first national training event was held, led by Marlene Llegas, who trained over 80 members nationwide, marking a milestone in the club’s professional development efforts.
Celebrating Camaraderie
The meeting concluded with a special celebration for April honorees, who were toasted in the traditional Skal style, symbolizing the unity and camaraderie that define the club. The event reaffirmed Skal Isla Mujeres-Puerto Morelos’ commitment to strengthening regional tourism and underscored the importance of collaboration among all sector stakeholders.
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