The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that Tourism Saskatchewan is providing $150,000 to the Canadian Curling Association to help bring the Ford World Women's Curling Championship (FWWCC) to the City of Swift Current in 2016.
"I am very pleased that my hometown has been selected to host the 2016 Ford World Women's Curling Championship for a second time," Premier Brad Wall said. "Volunteers and curling fans from Swift Current and area put in many long hours to make the 2010 championship a resounding success. We are excited about the opportunity to once again showcase Saskatchewan on the international stage."
The 2010 FWWCC was a great success for the City of Swift Current, with more than 500 volunteers, 52,000 curling fans in attendance and an economic impact of $9 to 10 million. It is estimated that the 2016 championship will have an increased economic impact of $10 to 12 million.
"It is great news for the province that the world's top female curlers, along with legions of fans will come to Swift Current in 2016 for the Ford World Women's Curling Championship," Minister responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said. "The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that tourism contributes significantly to the Saskatchewan economy. Our Saskatchewan Plan for Growth identifies attracting visitors and tourism to Saskatchewan as a priority and outlines opportunities for increasing economic benefits to the province. This international competition will bring profile and visitors to the province, and contribute to our strong economic growth."
Sponsorship for the event comes from Tourism Saskatchewan's Event Hosting Program, which has supported a range of events around the province, from annual cultural celebrations to national and international sport championships. Launched in December 2013 as part of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, the Event Hosting Program has supported 30 events around the province, totalling more than $2.1 million in its first year.
In addition to the FWWCC, Tourism Saskatchewan has provided sponsorship funds for other upcoming winter sporting events, including the 2015 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Moose Jaw and the 2015 Red Bull Ragnarok snowkite championships in Regina.
Tourism in Saskatchewan is a $2.12 billion industry, employing more than 56,000 people throughout the province.
