The Achieving AWEsome program is currently CLOSED. Please check back for future intake dates. Sign up for our weekly Industry Updates newsletter to get the most up-to-information on Tourism Saskatchewan's programs.

Applying for the Achieving AWEsome program

Tourism Saskatchewan is committed to fostering the development of distinctly unique tourism experiences.

The Achieving AWEsome program combines training and consultation supports together as one complete experience development program. The cost of these supports is covered for successful applicants.

Individuals who are new to tourism, as well as business operators who have no previous experience in developing or delivering a tourism experience to the travelling public are eligible to apply. Applicants must be willing to invest time and resources to create an interactive, hands-on guest experience.

Application

• The program is application-based. All applications received will be adjudicated internally. Ten applicants will be selected to participate.

Timelines

• The program is designed to move participants along in a scheduled format. Steps One to Three will be completed within four months of the program starting date. After Step Three, timelines will vary depending on the experience in development, time of year or season the experience will be offered and readiness of the applicant to complete all steps.

Program Financial Investment

• The cost of training supports is covered for successful applicants.
• Approved participants are fully and solely responsible for any and all costs associated with developing and piloting (testing) the experience and must confirm they have the financial resources to do so.

Required Connectivity

• Approved participants must have a computer and internet access adequate for attending online meetings and completing the training throughout the program duration.

Journey to Achieving AWEsome

Step One: AWEsome Experience Design Studio

• Helps you start designing a memorable Saskatchewan visitor experience that works for you and your customers.

Step Two: Tourism Experience Exposure

• Directly participate in an in-market experience to bring you new ideas and concepts to incorporate into your own experience design and delivery.

Step Three: AWEsome Actions

• With the guidance of veteran experience development consultant, Nancy Arsenault, move forward on your product concept by thinking about trends impacting your experience development and potential components that would drive value for you and your guests.

Step Four: Piloting

• Bring your experience to life and receive meaningful feedback, advice, and support from Tourism Saskatchewan staff and your key target market participants.

Step Five: Digital Content Capture

• Host a professional photographer/videographer during an experience delivery to capture images and videos of your new offering to use In future marketing activities.

Download the AWEsome infographic (PDF)

Please note: Program information may be subject to change.

Testimonials

Freba Pottery, Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures, Shekinah Retreat Centre and others talk about their experiences with the Achieving AWEsome program.

Further Resources

Check out these microcourses and studies to find out more about the Achieving AWEsome program:

Achieving AWEsome: Freba Pottery's Alumni Journey 

Case Study: Back2Nature Wellness

What is the difference between an experience and an attraction? Nancy Arsenault, Managing Partner at Tourism Cafe, discusses the differences in this short video: Fireside Chat - Raising the Bar on Visitor Value