CELEBRATE TOURISM AWARENESS WEEK JUNE 1-7

Tourism Awareness Week is being celebrated June 1-7 in Saskatchewan. A kick-off event for the week will be held by Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell and Tourism Saskatchewan Director of Industry Development Jonathon Potts.

"We doubled tourism funding this year to over $16 million because we recognize the vital role Saskatchewan's tourism industry plays in both economic development and promoting pride in our province," Tell said. "Saskatchewan Tourism Week is an opportunity to celebrate Saskatchewan's many tourist attractions, unique vacation spots, magnificent parks, must-see destinations and hidden treasures."

"Tourism Awareness Week is an opportunity to celebrate our province's wealth of tourism resources," Tourism Saskatchewan president/CEO Dr. Lynda Haverstock said. "Stakeholders will also join forces in promoting broader awareness of the importance of tourism in Saskatchewan. Comprised of five sectors: accommodation; food and beverage; recreation and entertainment; transportation; and travel services, our industry influences virtually all other areas of business and commerce. Therefore, a vibrant and healthy tourism industry benefits all who call Saskatchewan home."

Tourism funding initiatives this year include increased funding to Tourism Saskatchewan, investment in ecological, palaeontological, museum and heritage facilities; support for event hosting to enhance pride of place and build on Saskatchewan's record of hosting great events; improved highway signage for tourist attractions, and profile Saskatchewan at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

Tourism currently is a $1.44 billion industry in Saskatchewan, employing one in 10 workers, nearly 53,000 people. Communities throughout Saskatchewan will be celebrating with public BBQs, festivals and community tours.

For more information on Tourism Week, visit www.sktourismweek.com.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: janet.peters@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-4909

Leanne Burak
Tourism Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7815