Tourism's importance marked

Tourism Week has been declared in the city by Yorkton Council for June 9-to-15.

"Tourism contributes $1.67 billion annually to the provincial economy and provides employment for 11 per cent of Saskatchewan's current working population. Visitors to Yorkton and area spent almost $40 million on tourism related activities," Neil Thom, president of Tourism Yorkton told the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.

Given its economic impact, competition for tourism dollars is keen.

"Countries, provinces and communities actively compete for tourism dollars and more than ever, marketing organizations are strategically competing to attract new revenues," said Thom.

So locally a plan has been developed, said Thom.

"Tourism Yorkton has created a new document called "Tourism Yorkton's Community Action Plan". A committee consisting of tourism members developed an action plan to set quantifiable goals with measurable results. It provides a three-year view of our strategic direction to gain efficiencies and grow revenue," he explained.

"The community action plan will benefit all stakeholders in the industry for years to come."

For the plan to be fully effective, Thom did add it needs broad local support.

"I would like to challenge the business community to become more involved with Tourism Yorkton's Action Plan, It is more important than ever to ensure all stakeholders are working together," he said.