The hospitality industry is a big part of Yorkton, bringing approximately $38 million into the community. Randy Goulden, Executive Director of Tourism Yorkton, says that the city is seeing growth in the tourism industry, as more people are viewing the city as a destination.
There has been significant growth in hospitality in the last several years, with new hotels being the most visible sign of the city’s increased presence as a destination. Goulden says that this has been reflected in how Yorkton is now able to bid on events that simply wouldn’t have been possible in previous years.
“With the facilities Yorkton now has for accommodation and event hosting, we’re seeing more events coming into the city, and the growth in annual events.”
The city hosting the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards is one of those events that the city can now handle thanks to more accommodations and facilities, she notes. Existing events also benefit, as the Parkland Outdoor Show and Expo is able to take advantage of the growth in the city and expand, Goulden adds.
“When people come in for events, they see what we have here, and there’s the potential of them returning and staying longer.”
One event that shows just how tourism is a partnership between different groups of people is the upcoming Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association Provincial Festival. Goulden notes that it’s the volunteers that make the event happen, but it’s also having hotels available for riders, having a place for them to fuel up on the weekend, and having local snowmobile dealers that not only provide service to people going through town, but also encourage staff to volunteer with the festival itself.
“We need the small businesses to assist the volunteers in putting on these events, because if we didn’t have those the volunteers wouldn’t be able to do it on their own... We have the volunteers that groom the trails with the SnoRiders, but they need good services, whether it’s fuel, accommodation, food and beverage or servicing for the snowmobiles... They have to come together to provide the good experiences... It’s bringing all sectors of the community together, and business plays a very large part of that.”
Snowmobiles in general have been embraced by the local business community, with awards being won for the services the city provides to riders when they visit town. Goulden says that’s one thing that’s part of a larger goal, which is to provide a positive experience.
“More and more, people are looking for experiences... That’s what we have in the Yorkton area, whether it’s sports or recreation or arts and culture.”
In Yorkton tourism is beyond just what happens within city limits, Goulden emphasizes, noting that many people will stay at provincial parks or take advantage of hunting opportunities, but use the city as a base for supplies and services.
