SKAL International Beijing, the first Skal Club to be established in mainland China, has been officially approved by the Chinese authorities.

With both Chinese and non-Chinese nationals among its ranks, Skal International Beijing is the first non-government tourism entity with individual members to be officially sanctioned by the government of the People's Republic of China.

Enrique Quesada, president of Skal International, said he was looking forward to the formal inauguration of Skal International Beijing.

"China is the world's largest burgeoning tourism destination and the establishment of a Skal Club in mainland China will provide enormous opportunities for the travel industry to do business in China, both inbound and outbound. I have no doubt that there will be significant membership growth of Skal International in China", he said.

The inaugural meeting of Skal International Beijing will be held at the Beijing Asia Hotel on August 15, 2012.