COVID Q & A
Show me information for:
Questions and Answers
Last Updated: January 12, 2021
Tourism Saskatchewan - General
Marketing and Event Partnership Program
Industry Development Funding Programs
Tourism Saskatchewan - General
How can I receive updates from Tourism Saskatchewan?
The Industry Update newsletters and the industry website are the best way to receive the most current information during the COVID-19 situation. Visit business.tourismsaskatchewan.com/covid-resources.
How do I contact Tourism Saskatchewan?
Contact information for specific people and departments is available on the industry website.
Email your COVID-19 related questions, concerns and feedback to questions@tourismsask.com.
How can I update the status of the event or attraction I have listed on the Tourism Saskatchewan website?
Tourism Saskatchewan understands that event organizers across the province are in a difficult position. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the postponement, rescheduling or cancellation of many events. Alternately, some operators, businesses and communities are offering virtual tours and online events. It is important to ensure that accurate information is listed on TourismSaskatchewan.com. Email updates about your event to information.updates@tourismsask.com. Include the event name and indicate if it is cancelled or postponed in 2020. If postponed, include the anticipated date.
We welcome the addition of virtual tours, online shopping links and online programming links to your web listing’s description. Email the url link(s) and a short phrase to add to your current web listing. Ensure that you include your business name in the subject line of your email.
Now is an important time to add messaging to your own website or social media page. Let your potential customers know about visiting you virtually or, if you’re an event organizer, post a status update to assist potential customers with their future travel plans.
How can I find out about webinars and events for the tourism industry?
Many tourism-related organizations are offering online resources and webinars to keep stakeholders, businesses and workers informed on issues and developments relating to COVID-19. Tourism Saskatchewan provides links to relevant webinars, online training and learning events in the Webinars section on business.tourismsaskatchewan.com/covid-resources.
Does Tourism Saskatchewan offer any funding programs to assist the industry during this time of closures and low visitor traffic?
Tourism Saskatchewan does not currently have financing programs to assist small business owners affected by the COVID-19 situation. Visit the COVID-19 page for information about provincial and federal funding programs, business operations and small business supports that are available.
Marketing
How will Tourism Saskatchewan adapt its marketing plans to help the tourism industry struggling from the sudden and uncertain impact of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Tourism Saskatchewan is working quickly to reassess planned marketing activities and investments in the 2020-21 fiscal year. Over the last couple of years, Tourism Saskatchewan has invested more resources to build capacity and generate business from long-haul export markets.
The COVID-19 situation will have a significant impact on the Saskatchewan tourism industry. Moving forward, we will refine our strategy and messaging. We recognize that driving shorter-term business, from shorter-haul markets within the province, will best support tourism operators. This will be especially important once restrictions are lifted and people feel comfortable travelling again.
Will Tourism Saskatchewan continue to advertise?
Tourism Saskatchewan ceased advertising spends in the United States and in Canada outside of the province. Messaging across Tourism Saskatchewan’s channels is assessed to ensure that content and tone is sensitive to the current situation. As we work on developing recovery plans for the short and longer-term, we will continue to consult current research and government guidelines for re-opening to make evidence-based decisions on advertising and marketing tactics.
Tourism Saskatchewan is working with our federal partner, Destination Canada, to pause international co-operative marketing activities in Germany and the U.K. We will also shift resources towards domestic advertising campaigns, as a collective Team Canada approach, at the appropriate time.
Education Programs (STEC)
Can I still take the Serve It Right Saskatchewan (SIRS) course and access my online certificate?
Yes, you can purchase and complete the online course. Go to sirs.ca and login or create an account. Technical support is available Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 306-933-5900.
Marketing and Event Partnership Program
The Marketing and Event Partnership Program provides Saskatchewan-based, tourism-focused businesses and organizations with opportunities to partner with Tourism Saskatchewan.
The program supports the promotion of tourism products, services, attractions and events to audiences within and outside of the province, and the creation of quality content marketing assets. Strategies include digital and traditional marketing tactics that target key visitor markets identified by Tourism Saskatchewan.
Support is available to create or update digital assets, such as websites, e-commerce portals, and expand social media marketing. Support is also available for market research, through approved sources. Research Projects require consultation with Tourism Saskatchewan prior to submission.
The program merges previous programs offered by Tourism Saskatchewan, listed as follows: Co-operative Advertising Program (CAP), Content Development Program, Marketplace Fund, and Community and Marquee Annual Tourism Event Programs.
The program is application-based. Applications are now closed for the Marketing and Event Partnership Program. Visit the Marketing and Event Partnership Program page for details on future intakes in 2021.
Industry Development Funding Programs
Will someone from Tourism Saskatchewan still be able to make a site visit during this time of uncertainty?
It depends. In person visitation will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Factors we will consider are travel distance, availability of the appropriate Tourism Saskatchewan staff to address the needs of the operator and the current government recommendations that are in place at the time of request.
When is the next Tourism Product Diversification and New Market Development Program and the Destination Experience Development Program intakes?
The most recent funding intake for these programs began on November 2, and closed on December 15, 2020. Successful applicants will be contacted after the adjudication process is complete. The next intake period is currently undetermined, but will be announced on the funding pages and via Industry Update e-newsletters.
The programs encourage industry investment in quality, diverse tourism experiences, and align with recommendations in the ten-year Destination Development Strategy for Saskatchewan.
For additional information about the programs, visit business.tourismsaskatchewan.com/funding.
Our community/region has been working on a Community Tourism Plan. With the social distancing restrictions and self-isolation recommendations in place, how should we proceed with our project?
The Community Tourism Planning Guide is full of step-by-step recommendations. The activities and worksheets can be completed by committee members in isolation, before sharing with the group, to keep the momentum moving forward.
Provincial Parks
How can I contact Saskatchewan Provincial Parks?
Visit saskparks.com, call 1-800-205-7070 or email parks.info@gov.sk.ca.
For the most up-to-date information on 2020 reservations and camping season, please click here.
National Parks
Parks Canada is pushing back the opening of the camping reservation system from January to April 2021.
Before visiting, review Parks Canada’s guidelines for camping during COVID-19. Camping information specific to Grasslands National Park and Prince Albert National Park is also available.