(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Newsask Community Futures Development Corporation

Northeast receives tourism investment from federal government

Mar 17, 2023 | 10:33 AM

A business in Tisdale has received nearly $300,000 to help support tourism in the Northeast.

The funds are part of a federal grant from PrairiesCan, which has given a combined $6 million to 14 Saskatchewan tourism operators to create or enhance tourism experiences across the province.

Newsask Community Futures Development Corporation received $299,500 to provide business support to tourism operators and communities in east central Saskatchewan, and develop the region as a year-round tourist destination.

Newsask will use the money as part of one of its projects, which is getting a number of local tourism operators to come together and create packages.

These packages will be pre-planned travel packages, which will present a variety of things to do throughout the area.

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They will typically be two to three-day excursions where people can try things like snowmobiling and ice fishing, while providing bed and breakfasts as accommodations and places to eat lunch and dinner.

“I think our region up here, we have a lot of untapped markets, from the lakes to the golf courses,” said Newsask CEO Taylor Watt. “Our project is focusing more on winter, there are tons of winter activities up in here that lots of people don’t know about it or have never done, and I think it’s a great way to showcase and highlight these and hopefully get people to come and explore our parts of the province up here.”

Tourism has historically been a big factor in Saskatchewan’s economy, generating over $2 billion in annual travel spending and employing almost 70,000 Saskatchewan residents in full and part-time positions.

The investment hopes to support a strong tourism sector and generate essential revenue and employment in rural, urban and Indigenous communities throughout Saskatchewan.

“There are more reasons than ever to explore Saskatchewan,” stated PrairiesCan in a press release sent to northeastNOW. “From unique outdoor adventures and lively urban experiences to opportunities to learn about the history, culture and tradition of Indigenous Peoples who call Saskatchewan home; there are year-round possibilities to discover in the land of living skies.”

These investments will help Saskatchewan tourism operators access the resources needed to expand or upgrade tourist attractions, which benefits residents and visitors, and supports local economies.

The grant is part of the Tourism Relief Program, which supports tourism organizations to adapt their operations while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.

The fund is also helping position Canada as a destination of choice as domestic and international travel rebounds.

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news@northeastnow.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8