Coimbatore will host the SKAL India National Congress 2026, a major annual gathering of tourism and hospitality professionals, for the first time, organisers announced at a launch event held on Saturday at The Residency Towers.
The congress, organised by SKAL International Coimbatore, is scheduled to be held from August 12 to 15, 2026, at Le Meridien, Coimbatore. The four-day event is expected to bring together tourism, travel and hospitality leaders, industry stakeholders and organisation representatives from across India and abroad.
Srinivasan, Managing Director of Sree Annapoorna Hotels, attended the launch as the chief guest. Among those present were Satheesh, Regional Passport Officer, Coimbatore; Jegatheeswari, District Tourism Officer, Coimbatore; and Sundar Singaram, Executive Director of the South India Hotels and Restaurants Association (SIHRA).
Addressing the media, Sanjeev Mehra, President of SKAL India; Mohan, Vice President of SKAL International; Ramesh Chandrakumar, President of SKAL International Coimbatore; Ganesh, Conference Chairman; and Nijo Augustine, Secretary, highlighted the significance of hosting the national congress in Coimbatore.
They said the event would provide an opportunity to showcase Tamil Nadu’s culture, heritage, tourism destinations and hospitality offerings to national and international delegates. The congress is also expected to enhance the visibility of Coimbatore and nearby tourist destinations among the global tourism community.
Delegates attending the three-night, four-day event will be introduced to the region’s cuisine, heritage and tourism experiences through curated programmes and visits.
The congress will also feature discussions on key issues shaping the future of the tourism and hospitality sectors, including environmental sustainability, responsible tourism, community engagement and heritage conservation.
With 25 active clubs across the country, SKAL India serves as a networking platform for professionals from the tourism, hospitality and travel industries, as well as educational institutions offering hospitality-related programmes.
Organisers expressed confidence that the congress would further strengthen Coimbatore’s position as an emerging destination for tourism and hospitality in India.
