Welcome to Asia and to the rich diversity characteristic of our area's personality. We are proud to be part of the largest association of tourism professionals uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. And I am especially pleased to acknowledge the return of Skål Club #13 in Jakarta, the oldest in Asia and first "Skål Club"

established outside of Europe in December 1934.

With more than 2,500 members in five national committee and 44 clubs, Skål Asia's +11% growth in recent years is a reflection of the area's vibrance despite a difficult business environment. From the small island I call home in Guam, to the far reaches of Bahrain in West Asia and the interesting places in between, we are perhaps the most diverse Area Committee to be found in the world of Skål.