Tourism important to city and province

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 27 to June 2 as Saskatchewan Tourism Week.

The week coincides with Tourism Week in Canada, which brings attention to the impact of the country’s tourism sector and the economic opportunities available through travel and tourism. Saskatchewan Tourism Week highlights the importance of tourism in the province.

The sector is certainly important locally.

“Every year visitors to Yorkton spend $32 million, at for accommodations, shopping and services,” said Randy Goulden, manager with Tourism Yorkton. “We know that tourism encourages entrepreneurship - over 95 per cent of tourism related businesses are small or medium sized, independently owned and operated companies. Tourism also encourages community pride and development and showcases Yorkton’s remarkable assets - its rich history, diverse cultures, and one-of-a-kind hospitality to visitors from far and wide.”

Tourism Week has been set for May 27 to June 2 by Yorkton Council as well.

“Tourism has been recognized in the Province of Saskatchewan’s “Partnership for Renewal” Economic Plan as one of the six leading industries and Saskatchewan’s fourth largest export industry after agriculture, mining and manufacturing,” explained a letter requesting the proclamation which was circulated at the meeting early this month.

“Tourism Week provides a special opportunity to show off or city and province. There are great places to visit for many reasons: the natural beauty, our friendly people, our fascinating heritage and culture and our incredible diversity. This is an important message to give not only to visitors, but also to our local residents who may bring visiting friends and relatives to businesses, events or attractions.”

Provincially marking the week is seen as a positive for the sector.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to proclaim Saskatchewan Tourism week,” said Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Gene Makowsky in a release. “The week brings profile to Saskatchewan’s impressive and diverse tourism resources and to the hardworking people who provide visitors with exceptional experiences.”

“Saskatchewan Tourism Week is a much-anticipated celebration for our industry,” Tourism Saskatchewan CEO Mary Taylor-Ash said in the release. “Across the province, activities and events invite people to visit local attractions. This week makes tourism a familiar part of conversations. It encourages people to think about planning a Saskatchewan vacation, making new discoveries and creating their own travel stories and memories.”

According to a provincial release the industry contributes significantly to the Saskatchewan economy:

• In 2017, travel expenditures reached $2.37 billion.
• More than 13.6 million visits were made to and within the province last year.
• More than 67,000 Saskatchewan residents are employed in tourism or tourism-related jobs.
• Approximately 3,200 tourism organizations and operators offer more than 4,000 products and experiences.
• Saskatchewan’s tourism sector is 95 per cent small or medium-sized businesses.