For years, Tourism Saskatoon has been geared towards drawing visitors from across the country and the world to the city.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a big wrench into that strategy, so the organization is now refocusing on encouraging people to enjoy what they have in their own backyard, according to Stephanie Clovechok, the vice-president and director of innovation for Tourism Saskatoon.
“There are people who come here from around the world who are amazed at what we have and never want to leave. So before any of us plan to head off to any other province this summer, I really hope that people can connect with us or with Tourism Saskatchewan to understand what they can do super-close to home, because it really does continue to fuel our economic restoration,” said Clovechok.
She says with Phase 4.1 of Re-Open Saskatchewan now here, that is providing local businesses with some optimism moving forward.
“It is a very positive day,” said Clovechok. “I think all of us are continuing to look forward to these days of new reopening, new engagement and new togetherness.”
Clovechok says Tourism Saskatoon has also recently received some national recognition as an organization.
“We have been chosen as one of four destinations in Canada to work with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada to develop more tourism experiences and to rise up our sophistication,” she said.
Clovechok is hoping that as the organization turns the focus toward local, people will see they don’t need to go far to experience world-class restaurants, parks and amenities.