CELEBRATE TOURISM AWARENESS WEEK FROM JUNE 5-11

Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson and Tourism Saskatchewan President and CEO Dr. Lynda Haverstock kicked off Tourism Awareness Week by announcing Saskatchewan's new resident awareness campaign today at Government House in Regina. Tourism Awareness Week runs from June 5-11.

"This new campaign complements our Saskatchewanderer project launched earlier this spring," Hutchinson said. "The shift to online technology has changed the way we do business and it has definitely changed the tourism sector - and so our tourism marketing focus has shifted online as well. This will help grow what is already a very important $1.65 billion industry in our province."

The Explore Saskatchewan campaign, led by the five provincial tourism regions, Tourism Saskatoon and the Regina Regional Opportunities Commission, encourages Saskatchewan residents to explore their province this summer. The campaign combines traditional elements such as radio and billboards, with a new partnership with Post Media, and an enhanced approach utilizing social media. Local celebrity and former Saskatchewan Roughrider Scott Schultz will be visiting tourism attractions and businesses across the province and video blogging about his experiences. The video series, Explore Saskatchewan with Scott Schultz, will be posted on www.ExploreSaskatchewan.com, where you can also enter the Explore Saskatchewan Contest for your chance to win tablets and smart phones along with fantastic vacation and recreation packages including a $5,000 build-your-own Saskatchewan holiday.

"Celebrated nationally, Tourism Awareness Week provides an opportunity for tourism businesses and stakeholders to embrace their vibrant sector - a sector that annually generates $70 billion in economic activity and employs one in ten Canadian workers," Haverstock said. "There are countless reasons to celebrate Saskatchewan's tourism riches, from our 100,000 lakes and impressive outdoor adventure offerings to our dynamic attractions that showcase remarkable talent. We are a destination that satisfies every kind of traveller. This is a week to remind people of the unparalleled wonders ‘at home' and the perfect time to launch the Explore Saskatchewan campaign."

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.sasktourism.com.

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For more information, contact:

Janice Wilby
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: janice.wilby@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152

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