CELEBRATE TOURISM AWARENESS WEEK FROM JUNE 6-12

Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan and Tourism Saskatchewan President and CEO Dr. Lynda Haverstock kicked off Saskatchewan's Tourism Awareness Week today at Saskatoon's Western Development Museum. Tourism Awareness Week runs from June 6-12.

"Tourism Awareness Week is a special time to celebrate and promote all of Saskatchewan's treasures," Duncan said. "Our province has made great strides in promoting tourism the past year and we will continue to work with the industry to encourage more visitors to our province. Tourism is an important part of our economy - supporting it helps keep Saskatchewan strong."

"This special week offers a chance to stand united as a province and nation and proclaim the importance of our sector," Haverstock said. "There are countless reasons to celebrate tourism in Saskatchewan. It stimulates the economy, provides rewarding entrepreneurial and employment opportunities and showcases our vibrant communities, inviting destination areas and the dedicated individuals who are the heartbeat of the industry."

Tourism contributes almost $1.6 billion to Saskatchewan's economy annually. Approximately 54,500 people are employed in tourism or tourism-related jobs.

Communities throughout Saskatchewan will be celebrating Tourism Awareness Week with public barbeques, community tours, contests and promotions.

For more information on Tourism Awareness Week, visit www.exploresaskatchewan.com.

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For more information, contact:

Art Jones
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: art.jones@gov.sk.ca

Regan Mathiason
Tourism Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7815
Email: regan.mathiason@sasktourism.com