The Skålité International Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements across the global tourism industry. The Awards honour individuals, organizations, and initiatives that demonstrate excellence, innovation, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the advancement of tourism.

Founded by Skål International World President 2010 Hülya Aslantaş, the Skålité Awards were conceived as a unique recognition programme celebrating quality and excellence in tourism. Launched by Skål International Istanbul, the Awards became a benchmark for acknowledging outstanding contributions to the industry. In 2026, under the leadership of World President Andrés Hayes, the programme expanded beyond its original borders to become the Skålité International Awards, bringing its vision of excellence and quality in tourism to the global stage.

Under the theme "Quality in Tourism," the Skålité International Awards provide an international platform to recognize those shaping the future of tourism through outstanding performance, innovation, sustainability, and professional excellence.

The Awards also embody the values of Skål International by fostering friendship, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices among tourism professionals worldwide.

Discover the origins and legacy of the Skålité Awards in Istanbul here 

The Skålité International Awards are evaluated by an independent international jury of five members, appointed annually by the  Skål International  World President.

Jury  members are selected to ensure  diverse perspectives from across the global tourism industry,  based on the following criteria:

• Professional expertise in tourism and hospitality
• Leadership and industry experience
• Integrity and impartiality
• Knowledge of quality and excellence standards
• Commitment to objective and independent evaluation
  
  

One jury member serves as Head Judge, appointed from Skål International Istanbul in recognition of the Club's role in establishing the Skålité Awards.

Each nomination is independently scored by the Jury against the established Awards criteria. The Skål International General Secretariat compiles the scores with the highest-scoring nomination in each category declared the winner.

The President's Award is an exception, with the recipient selected at the discretion of the Skål International World President

The Jury evaluates nominations through a structured scoring process based on the four Awards criteria: Achievement, Excellence & Innovation, Impact, and Inspiration.

The inaugural Skålité International Awards Gala took place on 25 October 2026 at the InterContinental Istanbul Hotel, Türkiye, hosted by Skål International Istanbul .

The ceremony brought together members of the Skål International Executive Board, representatives of Skål International Türkiye, distinguished guests, and Skålleagues from around the world to celebrate excellence and outstanding achievements in tourism.

Beyond recognising the award winners, the event provided a unique opportunity to strengthen international friendships, foster professional networking, and exchange ideas within the global tourism community.  

In this inaugural edition of the Skålité International Awards, 26 nominations competed across the six categories, showcasing remarkable initiatives, inspiring leadership, and a shared commitment to advancing our industry. 

See below the Skålité International Awards winners and celebrate the outstanding achievements recognized, which represent a source of pride and inspiration, strengthening our bonds of friendship while encouraging us to share knowledge, raise standards, and work together towards a more responsible, innovative and united future for our industry.