2025 Indigenous Tourism Awards finalists announced

Congratulations to Saskatchewan finalists selected in the 2025 Indigenous Tourism Awards. Finalists include Anna Buffalo of Dakota Dunes Resort (Outstanding Staff Person Award) and Pêmiska Tourism (Indigenous Destination Development Award).

This year’s awards will be presented by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), along with Westjet, on February 27 at the 2025 International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Montréal.

The 2025 conference celebrates ITAC’s 10-year anniversary, featuring a panel discussion reflecting on a decade of leadership, collaboration and impact in Indigenous tourism. Centered on ITAC’s four foundational pillars—leadership, partnerships, development, and marketing—the panel will highlight key achievements, share insights from new research, and examine the evolving landscape of Indigenous tourism in Canada.

Conference registration is open until February 20.

Register today for these upcoming March workshops

Spots are filling up for upcoming workshops in March. Acquire actionable skills and practical takeaways from industry professionals in a variety of tourism-related topics.

• De-escalation Fundamentals-Dealing with Extreme Situations, workshop, $30, Thursday, March 6, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

In high-pressure environments like those often encountered in the tourism and hospitality industry, managing extreme situations with calmness and professionalism is essential. This interactive workshop will equip participants with the foundational skills and techniques needed to de-escalate and handle extreme situations with customers.

• Is your Website Working for You? Turn Visitors into Customers with a Better User Experience, workshop, $30, Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Your website should serve as your hardest-working team member, but is it creating the right experience for your visitors? Join this workshop to gain a better understanding of how to get your website to work for you. 

For more information on these workshops, as well as Tourism Saskatchewan’s other course offerings and informative free webinars, contact training@tourismsask.com, 306-933-5900 or toll-free 1-800-331-1529.

The Marketing and Events Partnership Program is accepting applications until February 26

Tourism Saskatchewan’s Marketing and Events Partnership Program (MEPP) is accepting applications from provincial tourism-focused businesses and organizations. MEPP provides opportunities to partner with Tourism Saskatchewan in the promotion of tourism products, services, attractions and events to audiences within and outside of the province. 

Support is available to create or update digital assets, such as websites, e-commerce portals, as well as written, photographic and video content. Digital marketing campaigns, including social media and influencers, are eligible expenses. Traditional media advertising tactics that are part of a full marketing plan will also be considered. Marketplace and trade show support is available to outfitters. 

Exceptional applications from approved partners may receive up to $15,000 in support. Interested applicants are encouraged to email mepp@tourismsask.com. A time will be arranged to discuss the program, eligibility and application process. 

All applicants will receive a response within two months of the program’s closing date.

Check out these upcoming free webinars hosted by Tourism Saskatchewan

Register now for free virtual and in-person training sessions, hosted by Tourism Saskatchewan. These free webinars cover everything from working with travel media to recruiting volunteers for your event or organization.

February 2025

• Understanding the Treaties in Saskatchewan and the Role They Play in Tourism, free webinar, Tuesday, February 4, 12–1 p.m.
• Countering the Impact of Seasonality: A Panel Discussion, free webinar, Wednesday, February 5, 12–1 p.m.
• Help! A How-to on Working with Travel Media and Content Creators, free webinar, Thursday, February 6, 12–1 p.m.
• The Power of Connecting with Local Community Partners, free webinar, Tuesday, February 18, 12–1 p.m. 
• Crafting Memorable Guest Experiences: The Soft Skills You Need, free webinar, Wednesday, February 19, 12–1 p.m.
• Buzz, Woody and AI: Telling Stories Customers Will Never Outgrow, free webinar, Thursday, February 20, 12–1 p.m.

March 2025

• From Recruitment to Performance Management: How the Emerit Competency-Based Workforce Management Engine Can Help You, free webinar, Tuesday, March 11, 12–1 p.m.
• Unlocking Growth: Conversation–How to Welcome and Attract Newcomers to Your Business in Saskatchewan, free webinar, Thursday, March 13, 12–1 p.m.
• Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Great Volunteers, free webinar, Thursday, March 20, 12–1 p.m.