Interview with Moritz Freise, Rising Skål Leader Award 2024
31 October 2024
Moritz Freise
President Skål International Berlin
1. Congratulations on receiving the Rising Skål Leader Award! Can you share how it feels to be recognized on this international stage, and what this honor means to you personally and professionally?
Thank you! It’s truly an honor to be recognized by a global network like Skål International for my work and dedication in the tourism industry. Being a part of Skål International and having the privilege of serving as the youngest president in the world within Skål International, as the President of Skål International Berlin, has already been an incredible experience, both personally and professionally.
Receiving this award from our dear World President Annette Cardenas, along with her touching words, has left me speechless. It’s a validation of the fresh, energetic, and committed approach I’ve brought to Skål International over the last two years, both for the global community and specifically for Berlin. To be acknowledged in front of delegations from so many nations was a truly special and humbling experience. The opportunity to be in the same room with representatives from around the world was impressive enough, but receiving this award in that setting was truly the cherry on top. It’s a moment I’ll always treasure.
2. As the President of Skål International Berlin, what initiatives or achievements are you most proud of, and how do you see Skål International Berlin evolving under your leadership?
Like many other clubs, Skål International Berlin faced challenges after the pandemic, particularly with an aging membership and declining relevance within the industry. When I ran for president, I promised our members in my campaign video that I would bring new energy and perspectives to our Club and revitalize its presence. My focus has been on creating initiatives that reconnect us to the global Skål International community while showcasing the unique strengths of Berlin as a destination and as a Skål International club.
One of my proudest achievements is the Tourism Innovation Night—the largest event in the history of Skål International Berlin. With nearly 400 registrations and 150 attendees, it was a game-changer event we held in September 2024, connecting young professionals and industry veterans through a focus on social impact and innovation in tourism. This event shone a new light on our club and demonstrated the value of what we can achieve when we bring people together with fresh ideas. It’s a concept we plan not only to continue here in Berlin but also to share with other Skål International Clubs worldwide in the coming year, inspiring a global movement of innovation and collaboration.
3. What advice would you give to other young professionals in the tourism industry who aspire to make an impact on both local and international levels?
My advice to young professionals entering this beautiful industry is to embrace the full spectrum of what tourism has to offer. Tourism is so much more than just hospitality; it encompasses a wide range of experiences and business areas, each with its own unique charm and opportunities. Working in this field requires creativity, flexibility, and a global mindset, all of which will enrich both your professional and personal life.
To make the most of these opportunities, it’s essential to approach every experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Take advantage of every chance to connect with tourism professionals worldwide, exchange ideas, and learn from their journeys. Building a strong network will be one of your greatest assets, helping you navigate the industry’s challenges and seize new opportunities. That’s exactly what Skål International can offer to young professionals—a gateway to global connections. It has been my path as well, and embracing these opportunities has brought me incredible personal and professional growth.
4. Looking forward, are there specific goals or projects you’re excited to tackle within Skål International, particularly regarding Berlin's tourism landscape?
In the past two years, my focus has been on reshaping the image of Skål International and bringing new, innovative ideas to the network. Now that we’ve gained more visibility and reignited interest in Skål International here in Berlin, my goal is to build on this momentum. I’m particularly focused on growing our membership over the next few years and developing new, exciting concepts that will continue to attract attention and engagement within the network.
I’m also passionate about supporting other young professionals within Skål International, helping them access the kinds of opportunities that have been so valuable to me, like attending the World Congress. I’m especially excited about Cusco 2025, and my hope is that this congress will see a greater presence of young Skållegues than ever before. My goal is to bring the creative, multicultural, and innovative spirit of Berlin to the global Skål International community, fostering new connections, twinning projects between clubs, and creating unforgettable moments—because that’s what Skål International is all about.
