Saskatchewan's Tourism Sector

Tourism is the business of attracting and serving the needs of visitors - people travelling and staying outside of their home communities for business or pleasure. Businesses that derive a majority of their revenues from visitors are clearly a part of the tourism industry. As well, many other businesses sell goods and services to travellers. Virtually every area of business or commerce is influenced by tourism activities. Tourism, in fact, has a substantial impact on the rest of the economy.

Tourism is a key player in Saskatchewan's economy, generating over $2 billion in travel spending annually. More than 12 million visits are made to and within the province each year.

While Saskatchewan's tourism sector generates essential revenue and employment, it also plays an important role in cultivating our collective pride - it defines how we see ourselves and how we are perceived by people from outside our borders.

A strong, healthy tourism sector benefits Saskatchewan citizens on many levels. It contributes to the quality of life through public investments in infrastructure, transportation, provincial and regional parks, cultural activities and attractions, events, recreational facilities and other areas.

What are the Benefits of a Vibrant Tourism Sector?

• Increased profile
• Positive image
• Employment opportunities
• Increased tax revenues
• Greater resident pride
• Increased volunteerism
• Greater commitment to service excellence
• Greater diversification of tourism infrastructure
• Greater selection of experiences
• Improved services and amenities - shopping, recreational facilities, accommodations, restaurants, cultural facilities, health facilities
• Improved transportation and communications services
• Favourable lifestyle changes

What Goods and Services Do Travellers Purchase?

• Accommodations
• Meals
• Transportation
• Tours
• Entertainment
• Recreation
• Attraction and event tickets
• Shopping and local products
• Additional services

How Does the Industry Contribute to the Local Economy?

• Taxes collected on services and products
• Wages and salaries
• Local businesses supported
• Utilities, services used
• Goods purchased
• Capital investments
• Transportation of goods
• Commissions to agents
• Legal and professional services
• Marketing and advertising purchased
• Investments in infrastructure
• Community revitalization and improvement

Who Benefits?

• Hotels
• Bed and breakfasts
• Parks
• Campgrounds
• Restaurants and clubs
• Local shops and retailers
• Wineries & distilleries
• Wine and spirit providers
• Farmers markets
• Local food producers
• Theatres
• Galleries
• Artists and entertainers
• Cultural institutions and attractions
• Health clubs and services
• Recreational facilities
• Taxi drivers
• Car rentals
• Travel agents
• Airports
• Air, bus and rail lines
• Trucking companies
• Gas stations, automotive services
• Trades - construction companies and employees, electricians, plumbers
• Architects and builders
• Manufacturers
• Media
• Advertising and communications firms
• Banks and credit unions

Key Components of Tourism Diversity and Opportunities

Tourism Attractions

Tourism attractions include our parks - which provide outdoor recreational experiences - as well as museums, galleries, powwows, a variety of heritage and cultural festivals and experiences, agricultural exhibitions, craft fairs, fall suppers and events that reflect our way of life. Other attractions provide paleontological, mineral spa and casino gaming experiences. A number of Saskatchewan golf courses are praised internationally.

Tourism Businesses

Tourism businesses include the hotels, motels, campgrounds, vacation farms, bed and breakfast establishments, guest ranches, outfitting camps, services stations, golf courses, tour boat, motorcoach, car rental, airline and charter services, restaurants and other retail businesses that can take care of visitors' needs.

Tourism Infrastructure

Tourism infrastructure includes roads, bridges and ferries, airports and landing strips, parking areas, wastewater and garbage disposal facilities, water and power services, boat launches and docking facilities, access to telephones and cellular services, availability of fuels such as diesel, natural gas, propane and gasoline, location and distance signage, and police and emergency services. The availability and quality of services and amenities will affect a community's ability to attract visitors, and influence first impressions and experiences offered.

Tourism Human Resources

Tourism human resources involve welcoming travellers and looking after them during their stay. This influences whether visitors have a pleasant and enjoyable experience and is, therefore, critical to the success of tourism attractions and businesses. Visitors have high expectations of the quality of personal service that they receive. Courtesy, good customer service and genuine thoughtfulness are noticed and appreciated.

Tourism Promotion

Tourism promotion involves activities that individuals and groups undertake to attract potential tourists. Cooperative advertising, attendance at travel shows, magazine articles, brochures, maps, commercial and promotional signs, travel guides, newspaper, radio, television, websites, social media, guerrilla marketing and tourism information centres are all examples of promotional activities.

Tourism Saskatchewan

Tourism Saskatchewan is responsible for in- and out-of-province marketing of Saskatchewan as a tourism destination and for programs and services that promote growth and advancement of the tourism sector. It partners in industry-government marketing programs, provides visitor services, undertakes market research and leads tourism product development, including programs with a particular focus on supporting major sporting and cultural events.

Tourism Saskatchewan's Workforce Development department delivers education and training programs in support of human resource development in the tourism sector. Through Workforce Development, Tourism Saskatchewan is a founding member of Tourism HR Canada (THRC) and is the provincial representative for the THRC's emerit program - a nationally recognized industry training and certification brand recognized by employers in the tourism sector.

Workforce Development delivers National Occupational Standards in tourism occupations and Professional Certification in frontline, supervisor and management positions.

For information about Saskatchewan's tourism industry:

• Visit Tourism Saskatchewan's consumer website - TourismSaskatchewan.com. Tourism Saskatchewan's travel literature series can be downloaded or ordered online, free of charge.
• Further information about Tourism Saskatchewan's business operations can be found throughout this business hub.
• Information about education and training programs are available here.