It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that we bid farewell to Volker Brand, who, completely unexpectedly, embarked on his final journey on 21 June at the age of 83.

Volker Brand was truly at home in the world. Wherever his professional career or his passion for travel took him, he won people over with his warm and cheerful nature, his openness and his exceptional professional expertise. He was someone who brought people together, nurtured friendships and embodied the ideal of international understanding – entirely in the spirit of Skål.

His professional career began as a chef in the hotel industry. With great ambition, outstanding ability and exceptional leadership qualities, he worked his way steadily up through the ranks. Having learned his profession from the ground up, he eventually assumed responsibility as a hotel director. Yet his passion for travel and international tourism led him far beyond the hotel industry. In senior management positions, he helped shape the tourism sector and travelled to almost every corner of the globe.

As Vice-President of Skål International Frankfurt am Main, Volker Brand was a highly valued source of ideas, a dependable colleague and a dedicated ambassador for international tourism. His advice was sought, his opinions were welcomed, and his willingness to help others was unwavering. He was also held in the highest regard far beyond Skål, including among partners in the airline industry and many other areas of tourism.

Supporting the next generation of tourism professionals was particularly close to his heart. With great passion, he shared his extensive knowledge and decades of experience with young students. For many, he was not only a lecturer and mentor, but also an inspiration and a role model.

Always by his side was his British wife, Sheila, with whom he shared a passion for travel. Their two daughters shared this enthusiasm as well. Together, they discovered the world – and made it their home.

It fills us with particular sadness that Volker Brand passed away on the very day of Skål International Frankfurt am Main’s traditional summer celebration – a day devoted to friendship, fellowship and solidarity, and whose spirit he embodied as few others did.

We are left with memories of an extraordinary person whose optimism, humanity, humour and passion for tourism will remain an example to us all.

We have lost a cherished friend, colleague and companion. His place will remain empty, but his legacy will live on – in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing him and in the many lasting marks he left, not only on the world of international tourism.

In deepest sorrow,

The Board of Skål International Frankfurt am Main