PROVINCE CELEBRATES TOURISM AWARENESS WEEK

Travel to and within the Land of Living Skies is big business, and that's why the province is celebrating May 29th to June 4th as Tourism Awareness Week in Saskatchewan.

A number of events are planned across the province to raise the awareness of the tourism industry, and acknowledge the major impact tourism has on our economy.

"Tourism is a special industry, building on our unique sense of place and our pride in Saskatchewan, especially during this Centennial year" Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "This week we take time to honour the influence tourism has on our economic success by creating jobs, generating revenue and, most of all, improving our quality of life."

Local activities are planned in communities across the province, including barbecues and tourism presentations. The Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council will host dinners in Saskatoon and Regina to honour individuals who have achieved national certification in tourism professions. A new award, the Service Best Community Designation will be presented to Redvers, to recognize the outstanding hospitality services delivered by local businesses there. Tourism Saskatchewan's annual photo contest will also be launched during the week.


The tourism industry is booming in the province, and recently played host to a major tourism industry event, attracting international delegates to Saskatoon for Rendez-vous Canada (RVC).

"The importance of hosting Rendez-vous Canada in the province and introducing such a large number of influential people to our tourism product, is a remarkable opportunity--one on which we plan to capitalize," Tourism Saskatchewan President and CEO Roy Anderson said. "RVC is one more step forward on our strategic, long-term plan to continue to build our business with key international markets."

The tourism industry generates about $1.4 billion annually in the province in travel expenditures. About 60,000 people are employed in tourism-related jobs in all parts of the province.

To learn more about Saskatchewan's tourism industry, visit Tourism Saskatchewan's web site at www.sasktourism.com.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691