Gov’t to give province’s tourism industry a boost

Tourism is an important industry for Moose Jaw and many other Saskatchewan communities, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has kept tourists at home. Fortunately, the Government of Saskatchewan has a plan to support the province’s tourism sector.

Earlier today, the provincial government announced $35 million in funding under the Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program. 

Through this program, eligible hospitality and event/attraction operators will be able to apply for a one-time, non-repayable emergency payment. 

Payments will range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on sales revenue, for the accommodation sector and large event facilities. Payments will range from $7,500 to $15,000 for attraction, tour or event operators with ongoing fixed costs.

Of the $35 million, $5 million will be used to support marketing and increasing the demand for Saskatchewan tourism experiences.

There were nearly 12 million visits to and within Saskatchewan in 2019, with visitor expenditures totalling $2.2 billion. Locally, 2019 proved to be an outstanding year for Tourism Moose Jaw, with record sales in trolley tickets and increased revenues, while nearly 32,000 people visited the Tourism Centre last year.

Estimates indicate Saskatchewan’s tourism industry could see a decline of at least $730 million in visitor spending in 2020-21. A government press releases notes it may take two or more years for the industry to recover.

“The COVID-19 pandemic delivered a devastating blow to our province’s tourism sector,” Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Gene Makowsky said. “The new Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program will provide critically needed support to accommodations, venues, attractions and tourism businesses. The $35 million investment will stimulate the sector’s recovery, build resiliency and help tourism operators continue to deliver remarkable Saskatchewan experiences.”

Applications will be accepted as of 2 p.m. on Aug. 24. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 1.   

For more information, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/tourism-sector-support.