Kudos of a superlative kind have been bouncing back to Bermuda from many of the 200 or more movers and shakers in the tourism and travel industry who came here last week for the 51st Annual Congress of SKAL NAASC (North American Skal Clubs).The divisional president as well as head of SKAL Bermuda was none other than prominent Bermudian businesswoman Leslie Veney of the local DMC company Destination Bermuda.SKAL is a professional organisation of travel and tourism leaders from around the world, distinctive for the fact it comprises people from all aspects of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.Mrs Veney said it was a double honour and distinction for Bermuda to be hosting the 51st Congress, as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of SKAL Bermuda. And she and her NAASC committee intended to leave no stone unturned in living up to the promise they made more than a year ago, that “Bermuda is indeed another world”.Attendees at the congress came from Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Caribbean. The event at the Fairmont Southampton was designed to create goodwill and friendship, as well as to promote tourism, not only within the North American area but throughout the world.There were formal board meetings and general sessions for all members to attend in order to learn the latest trends, and how to improve communication and membership. There was also a “Business-To-Business” trade show at which members displayed and discussed their individual business strategies and promotions.However it was not all business per se. There were several fun and entertaining events starting with the opening ceremony, attended by the Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert and other dignitaries.Pageantry was provided by a Colour Team from the Bermuda Regiment. Also there was an island dine-around evening involving several restaurants, finishing with a gala farewell reception and dinner-dance. Additionally attendees seized opportunities to sightsee and explore the Island, and indulge in a golf tournament.Mrs Veney and her NAASC host committee did not have to wait long to realise the extent to which attendees returned to their homes with warm memories and new friendships that would encourage them to recommend Bermuda as an unbelievable travel destination.Senior vice-president James Sorrell for SKAL New York Membership and Media wrote as follows: “ We had a wonderful first time visit to your Island thanks in no small part to your personal welcome and kindnesses throughout the Congress. Your accomplishments will stand in testament to your passion, and enthusiasm for travel, camaraderie and the spirit of SKAL.”Mr Sorrell added: “I plan to write a more official thank-you to Sir Richard Gozney who was present at the opening ceremony, your board and Minister Furbert expressing our complete delight with every aspect of the Congress. You truly showcased the Island to an international audience and deserve much kudos. Thank you again from all of us.”From Canada Tom Tait wrote: “Just wanted to thank you and your team for a terrific Congress experience. We hope that we have another occasion to spend time in lovely Bermuda.”And Bill McGarry of Skal Nashville wrote: “I am on my way home and sad that I have to leave. Thanks for such a great time, it is taken for granted that your home is beautiful, but you the people are fantastic and great hosts too.”Patrick Logue, who did not attend the congress, wrote to Leslie Veney and Lauren Rawlins, the director of conventions services at the Fairmont Southampton:: “I just got word from Frank Klare and John Mavros (who did attend) that the Congress ran like a fine-tuned Swiss watch, I would not have expected anything less from two fun-loving professionals.”