Top Five Tips for Welcoming International Tourists

It's always important to welcome guests, but in these times it is especially crucial to ensure that our domestic and international visitors feel welcomed and appreciated. Your interaction shapes their first impressions and influences the messages and stories they will share about their travels to this province. Follow these top five tips to welcome visitors to your business and community.

Saturday, May 31 2025

1. START LOCALLY

Create memorable experiences for visitors by collaborating with local businesses and communities. Develop a thorough knowledge of local activities, events and attractions. Make it a community effort – work with other businesses, associations and town administrators to create a list of attractions, events and popular activities. Distribute the list to local businesses and organizations, and encourage operators to share with staff.

2. SHOWCASE SASKATCHEWAN’S HOSPITALITY

Our province is a welcoming and authentic destination. Lean into the Saskatchewan's reputation for hospitality and help international tourists feel comfortable booking their stay. A positive, cheerful attitude is pivotal to a great first impression. Use the W.O.W. method – Welcome, Observe and Win over. Greet international visitors with a positive tone of voice, listen and identify the products or services they’re interested in, and personalize your offerings to the customer’s needs.

3. REASSURE VISITORS

Reassure customers that you are here to help. Provide real-time solutions and address concerns prior to booking. Provide clear and concise information to ease any travel anxieties. Consider creating a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document with answers to commonly asked questions from international visitors.

4. OFFER SUPPORT SERVICES

Travellers will be grateful if you give them information beyond the services you provide. Offer a list of resources so international tourists have a handy resource on required documentation, restrictions, etc. Try to add details on topics they may not have considered. It's the little extras that visitors will remember.

5. CREATE TRAVEL OFFERS

Packaging tourism products and experiences can create fresh appeal and renew interest in your property. Consider your business and the types of international tourists that tend to visit. Tailor a travel offer to their needs. Create a hook to stand out from the competition – choose a unique or enticing service, activity or package. Check out these Top Five Tips For Attractive Travel Offers to learn more.