About the Garden Route

Skål International Garden Route is a prominent chapter of Skål International, the only global organization uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry to promote tourism and foster international friendships. Founded in 1998 as Club number 652, it is one of seven Skål clubs in South Africa. With a volunteer committee of 8 members at the helm. Skål International Garden Route has over 40 members some have been members since the club opened in 1998!

Skål International itself was founded in 1934 in Paris and has grown into a network of almost 12 000 members across more than 300 clubs in nearly 85 countries, headquartered in Málaga, Spain. The organization is an Affiliate Member of UN – Tourism, a supporter of ECPAT International, a member of ICTP, and a partner of IIPT and WTTC.  Skål International supports the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Exploitation in Tourism.

The Garden Route (Afrikaans: Tuinroete) is a 300-kilometre (190 mi) stretch of the south-western coast of South Africa which extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The name comes from the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered here and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast. It includes towns such as Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Little Brak River and Nature’s Valley; with George, the Garden Route’s largest city and main administrative centre.

Skål International Garden Route stands out for its dedication to sustainable tourism, proudly housing multiple winners of the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award.  Skål International Clubs worldwide have a busy schedule of activities, always focused on doing business among friends, following the culture of Skål International. The Garden Route chapter meets every third Wednesday of the month from January to November, offering a platform for professionals to network and share information.  Each gathering brings with it the opportunity to learn and grow from invited speakers.

The Garden Route’s unique blend of Cape Fynbos and temperate forests, along with its marine reserves, offers abundant eco-tourism activities. The area is home to nearly 300 bird species, diverse marine life including dolphins and seals, and serves as a nursery for the endangered Southern Right Whale. With its rich biodiversity and year-round mild climate, the Garden Route is an ideal hub for tourism activities. Skål International Clubs worldwide have a busy schedule of activities, always focused on doing business among friends, following the culture of Skål International.