On 25 September 2026 Skål International Lugano officially presented its scholarship in memory of David Fontanella for the 2026/2027 academic year. The recipient is Claudia Gilgen, 22, a student at SSSAT, the Higher Professional School of Hotel Management and Tourism (Scuola specializzata superiore alberghiera e del turismo) in Bellinzona. 

The scholarship supports Claudia’s studies in the school’s Hotelier-Restaurateur programme. Liliana Cereda, President of the Skål International Lugano Scholarship Committee, presented the award during the event. 

The scholarship honours a figure who left a lasting mark on the Skål movement. A native of Ticino who made Geneva his adopted home, David Fontanella passed away suddenly in 2024 at the age of 45, having served as President of Skål International Switzerland for five years. He was first elected to lead the Swiss National Committee in 2019, at the General Assembly held in Zurich. He was also active at European level: in 2021 he was elected Communications Director of Skål International Europe. 

He was a proud alumnus of SSSAT in Bellinzona and devoted his life to advancing tourism both locally and internationally. Building connections, cultivating friendship and nurturing relationships were his highest priorities. 

Through this scholarship, Skål International Lugano honours his legacy and values by supporting the education and professional growth of the next generation of tourism professionals, at the very school where David began his own career. 

“Investing in young talent is the best way to honour David’s legacy,” said Liliana Cereda. “Claudia showed exactly the passion and dedication our industry needs, and we are proud to accompany her on this journey.”