Summer 2015 - Tourism Saskatchewan

Transcription

Going Places • Summer 2015 • 1
Summer 2015
2
4
6
9
FIVE SASKATCHEWAN
FINALISTS FOR THE
CANADIAN TOURISM
AWARDS
NEW FIELD REPRESENTATIVE
FOR NORTHERN
SASKATCHEWAN
CAPTURING SUMMER IN
SASKATCHEWAN THROUGH
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
STRATEGIC, PARTNERSUPPORTED BIDS WIN
MAJOR EVENTS
2 • Going Places • Summer 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
In Development
Going Places
Remembering Doug Hidlebaugh.....................................2
is published under the direction of
Tourism Saskatchewan’s Board of
Directors. Please send comments or
inquiries to:
Message from the CEO .........................................................3
Chief Whitecap Waterway Unveiled ............................8
Record number of Saskatchewan finalists for the
25 Years for Ness Creek Music Festival .......................8
2015 Canadian Tourism Awards.....................................3
New Field Representative for northern
Strategic, partner-supported bids win
major events .........................................................................9
Saskatchewan ..........................................................................4
Selling Saskatchewan .........................................................10
Susan Parkin
Tourism Saskatchewan
189 - 1621 Albert Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
Canada S4P 2S5
Advertising opportunities for tourism operators
Around the Province
Editor
and businesses ........................................................................4
Summer as the Saskatchewanderer ..........................12
FREE online marketing workshops ..................................4
In the Spotlight .................................................................13
Message from the Chair .......................................................5
Tourism Trends .....................................................................14
Phone: 306-787-2927
Fax: 306-787-6293
Tourism Quality Assurance Program handbooks
Interactive Insights ..............................................................15
online ..........................................................................................5
Keeping Our Past Present: a world view to help
Email: susan.parkin@tourismsask.com
Tourism Saskatchewan releases 2014-2015
Articles may be reprinted with
permission.
Annual Report ...........................................................................5
Capturing summer in Saskatchewan through
photography and video .......................................................6
revitalize Claybank Brick Plant......................................16
Strengthening Saskatchewan – training a new
generation of volunteers ................................................17
STEC News ..............................................................................18
Cover Image
Here & There ..........................................................................19
Lac La Ronge Provincial Park
Paul Austring Photography
Mark Your Calendar.............................................................20
Bookmark Industry Matters
The dedicated industry website, IndustryMatters.com, is your one-stop site for the latest news and information from Tourism
Saskatchewan and the province’s tourism sector. You will find information on partnership opportunities, upcoming events, education
and training programs and more.
Bookmark IndustryMatters.com and visit often!
Remembering Doug Hidlebaugh
February 28, 1955-July 13, 2015
Saskatchewan’s tourism sector grieves the loss of
Doug Hidlebaugh, who passed away in July.
To many, Doug was and will always be “the Radio Guy.”
He was a familiar voice to radio listeners across
Saskatchewan through his celebrated career in
broadcasting. His experience in marketing and
promotions would ultimately benefit tourism in the
Nipawin area, but it was Doug’s deep pride in his home
province and community, along with his passion for
sharing great Saskatchewan experiences, that gained
the admiration of friends and colleagues in the industry.
A founding member of the Saskatchewan Premier’s
Walleye Cup, Doug embraced the role of welcoming
many of Canada’s premiers to Nipawin/Tobin Lake to
enjoy the province’s longest-running walleye
tournament. As Chairman of the Nipawin Great
Northern Pike Festival, he was tireless in promoting the
remarkable angling and recreational experiences
offered by Tobin and Codette Lakes.
Doug Hidlebaugh
Photographed in June 2015 by Calvin Fehr.
Doug hosted the annual Media Days that kick off the
festival each June and attract media from across
Saskatchewan and beyond. This event has been hugely
successful in raising the profile of Nipawin and area,
generating interest and participation in the festival and
enticing visitors.
Doug and his wife, Sherry Michalyca, have both
demonstrated a long-standing commitment to tourism
growth and economic development in Saskatchewan.
Tourism Saskatchewan extends heartfelt condolences
to Sherry and their daughter Andie; to Doug’s children
Erin (Corey) and Mike, grandsons Liam and Lennon; and
to his mom Nene, as well as his siblings, family and
many friends.
A celebration of Doug’s life was held on July 22, 2015
at the Nipawin Evergreen Centre. Memorial donations
may be made to the Doug Hidlebaugh Community
Legacy Fund.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Tourism
Saskatchewan’s
vision for our
industry is that
we become a
four-season
destination. The reality, however, for most of our
tourism operators is that we still encounter our
busiest season during the summer months. This
means that any disruptions to business in July
and August can be a major setback and certainly
affect the bottom line.
The wildfire situation in northern Saskatchewan
this summer was one of those disruptions. The
fires affected many of our residents and had
implications for a number of tourism operations.
We heard from some operators who were
located in the fire-affected areas and had to close
their businesses. We also heard from operators
who were not directly at risk but experienced
cancellations because they were close to the
threatened regions.
This reinforces the need for solid and consistent
marketing. It is critical to reach consumers and
share with them stories about the remarkable
experiences, hospitality and recreational
offerings in our province. This summer, we
captured striking footage and images in northern
Saskatchewan that speak to the compelling
characteristics of this province – qualities that
inform our brand pillars: Land and Sky; Time and
Space; and Community.
I enjoyed being part of the team scouting for
locations in Prince Albert National Park in July.
This assignment was greatly aided by the
expertise and knowledge of Natalie Matheson,
lead guide at the Waskesiu Marina Adventure
Centre (who was named Employee of the Year at
the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence in
April and, most recently, listed among the
finalists of the Canadian Tourism Awards). Natalie
radiates the passion and enthusiasm that make
the difference between good service and an
enjoyable experience versus a memory-making
encounter that leaves you with your own unique
Saskatchewan story – one that you are eager to
share with others.
Experiencing summer festivals was on my
agenda. I had the pleasure of attending the
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival in
Saskatoon – an example of the success that
occurs when great vision and talent, skillful
management and dedicated volunteers
converge.
Later in July, a tour of the Cypress Hills
Destination Area (CHDA) provided me with
insight into the rich history of the area and the
splendid tourism offerings. I appreciated the
hospitality of two great hosts – Royce Pettyjohn
(Manager of Community and Economic
Development, Maple Creek) and Gail Kesslar
(CHDA Executive Director). Witnessing the RCMP
Musical Ride at Fort Walsh was a profound
experience, both for the spectacle and for the
powerful meaning in staging this long-standing
tradition of Canada’s iconic police force at the
site of its original post. The warm welcome that I
received from operators in the southwest was
truly appreciated and it was an absolute delight
to experience such fine western hospitality.
We visited a number of historic sites, including
the Motherwell Homestead, near Abernethy,
where we were treated to a delightful and
illuminating tour.
The Regina Folk Festival was on at the time that
my family was here. We all enjoyed three glorious
days in Victoria Park listening to fabulous music.
With roots in eastern Canada, my family and I
have experienced our share of folk music and
festivals. The Regina Folk Festival certainly ranks
among the most impressive music festivals that I
have attended.
Events like the Regina Folk Festival and, as
mentioned earlier, the Shakespeare on the
Saskatchewan Festival not only feature terrific
performances, but showcase the rare and special
qualities of a place where the land, the sky and
the natural surroundings, coupled with the
warmth of the community, create an atmosphere
for magical moments to occur.
As Tourism Saskatchewan heads into strategic
planning for 2017, it is important to gather
insights from you – our industry stakeholders.
This fall, we will be conducting an industry
survey to assist the strategic planning process.
We are eager to hear your perspective on a
number of topics. Watch for our survey, which
will be distributed via an Industry Update in the
upcoming weeks. Your participation is
appreciated.
Mary Taylor-Ash
In August, I played the role of tour guide, and
introduced family (visiting from Newfoundland
and Labrador) to some of the sights, sounds,
attractions and flavours in and around Regina.
Record number of Saskatchewan finalists for
the 2015 Canadian Tourism Awards
.6H@I8=:LC4H&IDJG>HB&>C9JHIGN&=6H&:6GC9&>IH&=><:HI&:KG&CJB7:G&D;&
Canadian Tourism Award finalists. On September 9, the Tourism Industry
Association of Canada (TIAC) announced the finalists for the 2015 Canadian Tourism Awards, which will be celebrated in Ottawa in December.
Out of 42 finalists from across the country named in 14 award categories, Saskatchewan received five nominations.
areFestival
extended
to:River) – Event of the Year Award (Presented by Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
•Congratulations
Ness Creek Music
(Big
• Michelle Blakley (Tourism Moose Jaw) – Tourism Employee of the Year Award (Presented by Intercontinental Hotels Group)
• Natalie Matheson (Waskesiu Marina Adventure Centre) – Tourism Employee of the Year Award (Presented by Intercontinental Hotels Group)
• d3h Hotels Inc. (various locations) – Tourism Employer of the Year Award (Presented by Intercontinental Hotels Group)
• Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel (Saskatoon) – Tourism Employer of the Year Award (Presented by Intercontinental Hotels Group)
The Canadian Tourism Awards will be presented at a gala ceremony in Ottawa on December 2. The award celebration is a highlight of the annual
Tourism Congress, TIAC’s industry conference. For a complete list of finalists, visit tiac.travel.
New Field Representative for northern Saskatchewan
Resource Officer in northern Manitoba.
Sawicki brings a wealth of experience in
northern tourism operations, earned from his
close involvement with provincial parks and
work as a fishing and hunting guide. With
extensive knowledge of law enforcement,
tourism and wildlife management, he brings a
thorough understanding of issues affecting the
northern tourism industry.
Kevin Sawicki
Tourism Saskatchewan’s Field Operations team
is pleased to introduce Kevin Sawicki as the new
Field Representative for the Northern Office. He
joins the organization after serving as a Natural
Sawicki’s commitment to a culture of service is
demonstrated by his work within Manitoba’s
parks system. He has supervised a provincial
park, taught fishing classes, organized forest
interpretation programs and served tourists in
communities as far north as Churchill, where he
also assisted in the Polar Bear Program. Within
Saskatchewan, he has formed relationships by
guiding hunts for black bear and whitetail deer,
and taking part in the recreational opportunities
available in the province.
region, and welcomes inquiries. Contact him by
phone at 306-519-1513, or email
kevin.sawicki@tourismsask.com. He is based out
of his home office near Tobin Lake, where he
will have easy road access to communities and
operators north of La Ronge, and along the
Hanson Lake Road to Creighton.
The Northern Field Office serves Prince Albert
and all communities north of Highway 3 and 55,
with the exception of Meadow Lake and
Nipawin. The communities of Meadow Lake and
Nipawin are served respectively by the West
Central Field Representative, Owen Einsiedler
(306-937-3023), and East Central Field
Representative, Corrina Kapeller (306-769-8850).
The Field Representative for southern
Saskatchewan is Daryl Demoskoff
(306-539-7792).
As the new Northern Field Representative, Kevin
Sawicki looks forward to sharing his knowledge
and expertise with tourism operators in the
Advertising opportunities for tourism
operators and businesses
A business listing and display advertisement in Tourism Saskatchewan’s
travel guides will place you directly in front of travellers planning a
Saskatchewan vacation. A limited number of advertising spaces are
available in the 2016 Saskatchewan Discovery Guide and 2016 Saskatchewan
Fishing & Hunting Guide. Book your spot now.
2016 Saskatchewan Fishing & Hunting Guide
Booking deadline: October 2, 2015
Distribution date: December, 2015
• Essential reference and resource information plus feature articles
highlighting Saskatchewan’s foremost fish and game areas
• Outfitter camps and lodge listings, impressive photography and
detailed stories and information make this a valuable resource for anglers
and hunters
2016 Saskatchewan Discovery Guide
Booking deadline: October 30, 2015
Distribution date: January, 2016
• Over 400 pages of essential travel information packaged with a provincial
highway map
• Accommodations, attractions and events organized for quick reference
• Indexes for Saskatchewan National, Provincial and Regional Parks and
Saskatchewan golf courses
• Additional information includes travel itineraries, must-see checklists and
tourism hotspots
Boost your exposure by taking advantage of special Outfitter Value
Bundles, which offer great visibility in print and online.
Advertising rate sheets are available online at IndustryMatters.com.
Book your ad space by contacting Bob Kadis at 306-933-5903 (office),
306-221-2642 (mobile) or email bob.kadis@tourismsask.com.
All 2016 Saskatchewan Discovery Guide advertising purchases include a FREE
display ad on TourismSaskatchewan.com, with immediate online
placement.
Additional details about advertising opportunities will be included in
Tourism Saskatchewan’s 2015-2016 Opportunities Catalogue, available for
download from IndustryMatters.com in October. Printed copies can be
ordered from your local Field Representative.
FREE Managing your online presence workshops
The Tourism Saskatchewan Online Marketing Team will be holding halfday workshops in Regina and Saskatoon in October. The sessions will
provide operators with valuable information to enhance their online
promotional efforts through content marketing.
Workshop Agenda:
Staying in Your Lane
• Demonstrate how to accurately reach your
target market
Creating Shareable Content
• Discuss how to work more closely with PMOs
and DMOs
• Talk about creation and curation of
quality content
• Share some posting tips
How Do You Measure Up?
• Suggestions on who to benchmark against
and why
Each workshop is limited to a maximum of 20 participants who are
active on social media and understand how to use Facebook, Twitter
and Instagram. To register, contact Carla Young at
306-787-0981 or carla.young@tourismsask.com.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
In June, I had the pleasure of bringing greetings from
Tourism Saskatchewan at the second of two Tourism
Professional Recognition Dinners, held in Saskatoon on
June 8 and Regina on June 10. Tourism Saskatchewan
considers it a privilege to host these celebrations each
year, and I was honoured to acknowledge the efforts
of hardworking individuals in the tourism sector who are committed to
delivering superb services and experiences. Their efforts are critical to
building a robust tourism workforce and strengthening Saskatchewan’s
competitiveness as a destination.
The work and accomplishments celebrated at the Tourism Professional
Recognition Dinners directly support our vision for a “vibrant
entrepreneurial tourism industry offering year-round compelling and
memorable Saskatchewan experiences.”
I had the special privilege that evening of presenting a Tourism
Ambassador Award to Gail Kesslar, Executive Director of the Cypress Hills
Destination Area, for exceptional work in the Travel Services Industry.
Two nights earlier, at the dinner in Saskatoon, Tourism Ambassador
Awards were presented to Darby Kells – representing the Food and
Beverage Industry; Deanna Gaetz – named Educator of the Year; and to a
team of professionals employed by d3h Hotels Inc. – Candy McBride,
Arlene Anholt, and Laurel Waldner – acknowledged for their work in the
accommodations industry.
Specific criteria must be met in order to be considered for a Tourism
Ambassador Award. Nominees are required to be employed in a tourism
occupation; active in tourism; and recognized as exhibiting an ongoing
commitment to professionalism. They must be committed to the values
of acclaimed, accredited certification programs that, in this province, are
delivered by Tourism Saskatchewan’s education department, the
Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC).
Although the focus of the Tourism Professional Recognition Dinners is
on the individuals who have achieved national certification or
journeyperson status, along with businesses committed to best practices
in human resources, these occasions bring profile to STEC’s
commendable work. One of STEC’s most highly-regarded programs is
Ready to Work, which assists individuals in developing skills and
navigating pathways that lead to fulfilling employment in the tourism
and hospitality industries.
Ready to Work is delivered to communities throughout the province,
with projects organized in remote northern locations, as well as in urban
centres. Some projects are delivered in partnership with individual First
Nations. Last year, twelve Saskatchewan communities hosted Ready to
Work, enabling 300 participants to receive training. Upon completion,
seventy per cent of these individuals found employment or returned
to school.
In July, Ready to Work training was underway in Stanley Mission
when the wildfires threatened communities in the area. For participants,
formal training was put on hold. Some of the individuals enrolled in the
program stayed behind and were part of the fire-fighting efforts. Others
put their training and talents to use preparing meals for fire crews and
people evacuated from their homes. Food and supplies delivered to
Stanley Mission specifically for the Ready to Work project were shared
with the community under altogether different conditions than initially
planned.
This example of service is indicative of the hospitality for which
Saskatchewan people are known. Congratulations to our industry
partners who support investment in their people. You are delivering
on the promise that Tourism Saskatchewan makes in marketing this
destination.
Norm Beug
Tourism Quality
Assurance Program
handbooks online
The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is an industry-defined, Tourism
Saskatchewan-supported process for fostering a culture of quality in
Saskatchewan’s tourism sector. It is a practical resource for individual
operators, owners and organizations involved in tourism around the
province. Participation in the QAP is voluntary. Representatives from
specific tourism industries participate in their respective Industry
Validation Committees (IVC). They use their experience to help define
quality, which is then expressed through industry-specific criteria.
QAP Handbooks for Outdoor Adventure operators and ProfessionallyManaged Museums have been recently assembled and are available
online. Each handbook introduces the rationale behind quality criteria
for a specific tourism industry and outlines what QAP evaluators would
consider during an onsite evaluation. Find downloadable handbooks
and links to templates on policies, procedures and more at
IndustryMatters.com/qualityassurance.
The development of a Quality Assurance Program is aligned with
Tourism Saskatchewan’s commitment to championing industry
excellence to build quality, memorable Saskatchewan experiences, as
identified in the Strategic Plan 2014-2016.
Tourism Saskatchewan
releases 2014-2015
Annual Report
Tourism Saskatchewan’s 2014-2015 Annual Report
was tabled in the provincial legislature on June
26, 2015. The report offers an overview of the
fiscal year spanning April 1, 2014-March 31, 2015,
and includes financial statements for that period.
Highlights of the year are featured and the
publication outlines results on committed
strategies, actions and performance measures
identified in Tourism Saskatchewan’s Strategic
Plan 2014-2016.
The 2014-2015 Annual Report is a public
document and can be viewed on
IndustryMatters.com. To request a printed copy,
contact Patti Peesker, Literature Distribution
Coordinator at 306-787-2420, or email
patti.peesker@tourismsask.com.
CAPTURING SUMMER IN SASKATCHEWAN THROUGH
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
Colourful, quality imagery is a critical element in tourism marketing. A single, compelling image can tell a story and communicate a message or feeling across
languages and cultures. Photography and video are powerful, influential mediums that capture rare moments, bring attention to tourism experiences and
encourage people to make new discoveries.
Tourism Saskatchewan regularly obtains new imagery to enhance marketing efforts and refresh the image library, which is a resource that many industry
partners access (media.TourismSaskatchewan.com/images-and-video). This summer, three distinct image-capture projects were undertaken in different areas
of the province and involving several partners.
SASKATCHEWAN PROVINCIAL PARKS PHOTOGRAPHY
Summer photography shoots at (left to right) Cannington Manner Historic Park, Moose Mountain Provincial Park and Great Blue Heron Provincial Park.
In July, Tourism Saskatchewan partnered with the Ministry of Parks, Culture
and Sport on summer photo shoots at Danielson Provincial Park, Moose
Mountain Provincial Park and Cannington Manor Historic Park, as well as at
Great Blue Heron Provincial Park. This particular shoot marked the first
official photography capture at the new provincial park. Overall, the
sessions illustrate people experiencing typical park activities such as
camping (both tent and RV), hiking, canoeing, fishing and bird watching.
The 100 new images will enhance promotion of Saskatchewan and its
impressive provincial parks system. They will be housed in Tourism
Saskatchewan’s image library and available for tourism partners to use in
marketing and promotional efforts. A huge thank you goes out to local
Saskatchewan Parks staff who were incredibly helpful on the ground at
each location.
CAPTURING THE NORTHERN FISHING EXPERIENCE
Hatchet Lake Lodge, located in northern
Saskatchewan, was the site of a still photography
shoot from July 1-5, designed to capture the
essence of a fly-in fishing experience.
Recommendations from the comprehensive study
conducted in 2014 by Southwick Associates, which
profiled American anglers travelling to
Saskatchewan, were considered in determining
this location and the focus of the shots. Primarily,
this shoot set out to capture the camaraderie and
thrill of the experience at a remote, northern
fishing lodge. In addition to traditional “big fish”
photos, the 50 new images illustrate experiential
wilderness, lodge comforts and services, scenic
landscapes and wildlife. Tourism Saskatchewan
extends its appreciation and thanks to everyone at
Hatchet Lake Lodge for assisting with the logistics
of the shoot.
Photography captured at Hatchet Lake Lodge.
BRAND IMAGE CAPTURE
Waskesiu Lake and locations in Prince Albert National Park were settings for brand photography and video capture in July.
Tourism Saskatchewan launched a new brand at the HOST Saskatchewan
Conference in April. New television commercials and promotional
materials that were unveiled in the spring reflected the strong brand
pillars – Land and Sky; Time and Space; and Community – that promote
Saskatchewan as a “beautiful and vast land that draws people together.”
Video footage and images were collected from locations in southern
Saskatchewan last year. This summer, northern Saskatchewan was the
setting for stories, expressed in photographs and video, that will
illuminate the breathtaking beauty of this part of the province, some of
the outdoor recreation and adventure that is offered, and the experiences
that form lasting memories.
Scouting for locations and shooting in Prince Albert National Park took
place in July. In late August and into September, images and video
footage were captured on the Churchill River, near Twin Falls.
Tourism Saskatchewan is grateful to Prince Albert National Park staff and
businesses in the park for their tremendous assistance during the shoot.
As well, sincere appreciation is extended to Twin Falls Lodge for
assistance in scouting and during shooting.
TOP FIVE TIPS
FOR PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR BUSINESS
As more and more travellers consult the Internet to plan their next
vacation, attractive photographs of your operation are increasingly
important for creating a great first impression. Here are a few tips to get
you started on producing beautiful images to promote your business and
entice customers.
1. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GEAR
High-end cameras may rule the roost, but consider the phone in your
pocket. Most smartphones are capable of taking great photos, especially if
loaded with dedicated photo apps. Applications like Camera+ or VSCO
Cam (available for iPhones and Android phones) give you great control
over your image, from taking the shot to touching it up afterwards and
sharing your results on social media.
2. PICK THE RIGHT SUBJECT
Photos of signs and doors do not tell potential customers much about
your business. Show consumers the most attractive aspects of your
operation – beautiful landscapes, an impressive fleet of boats,
trophy-sized fish, for example. If you take photos of your guests with
the intent to use them on your website or elsewhere, get their permission
first.
3. TAKE A MOMENT
Before you press the shutter on your camera, check what is in your
viewfinder or on your screen. Is the horizon straight? Is the background
free of distracting or unwanted objects? Is the light casting harsh or
unflattering shadows on people’s faces? Move your subject or shift your
point of view, if necessary.
4. INVOLVE YOUR GUESTS (AND GET SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY!)
A happy customer is the best advertisement. Encourage visitors to take
photos of their stay and share their pictures on Instagram, Twitter and
Facebook. Create your own hashtag for easy sharing or extend your
reach with the #ExploreSask or #ExploreCanada hashtags.
5. DON’T FORGET VIDEO
Most cameras today can record crisp, high-resolution video. Create clips
of your operation and upload them to YouTube. With video, you can
create compelling stories that pique customer interest.
In Development
Chief Whitecap Waterway unveiled
The opening of a new attraction is an occasion
to celebrate and reflect on the diversity of our
industry and on the stories that are told about a
place and its people through travel and tourism.
On June 6, Tourism Saskatchewan CEO Mary
Taylor-Ash participated in the ribbon-cutting
ceremony for the Chief Whitecap Waterway, an
impressive new addition to the Trans Canada
Trail. Officials and members of the public
gathered on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation,
along the shore of the South Saskatchewan
River, to celebrate the new addition to the
province’s tourism resources.
This section of the river stretching from the
Gardiner Dam to Saskatoon is the province’s
only water-based Trans Canada Trail link. The
120-km waterway provides paddlers the thrill of
canoeing or kayaking along a historic travel
route and enjoying the natural scenery of the
untouched river valleys.
Tourism Saskatchewan has been closely
involved in the development of the Chief
Whitecap Waterway, working collaboratively
with the Trans Canada Trail, Mid-Sask
Community Futures, Lake Diefenbaker Tourism,
WaterWolf Planning and the Whitecap Dakota
First Nation – partners all committed to tourism
development in the area. Tourism
Saskatchewan’s partnership investment of
$25,000 has helped to leverage funding
exceeding $160,000, with potential for
additional interest and support for future
development.
“Developing Saskatchewan experiences is one
of our strategic priorities, and this project is an
ideal fit with the work that we are doing to build
a collection of quality experiences that will
entice travellers and provide them with
memories to last a lifetime,” Taylor-Ash said.
“Paddling along this historic route will be an
experience that nurtures the mind, body and
spirit, and will provide countless hours of
enjoyment and adventure to residents and
visitors alike.”
“We are pleased to have Chief Whitecap’s name
attached to this historic section of the South
Saskatchewan River, where our people, allies of
The Crown, found a home,” Chief of the
Whitecap Dakota First Nation Darcy Bear said.
“As a part of the Trans Canada Trail, this
waterway speaks to connection, collaboration
and a healthy, active community.”
One of the attractions of this Trans Canada Trail
route is that various entry and exit points have
been established along the way, offering a
choice to paddle the full stretch or take your
time and complete the journey at your leisure.
Overnight camping is welcome and each stop
along the trail is equipped with a fire pit and
picnic table. Before you start planning your
adventure, check out chiefwhitecapwaterway.ca.
The website features an interactive map, as
well as helpful checklists of essentials and gear
to pack.
Top: CEO Mary Taylor-Ash delivers greetings from Tourism
Saskatchewan.
Bottom: Whitecap Dakota First Nation dancers participate
in the celebration.
The Chief Whitecap Waterway offers recreation
and activities that can be enjoyed by all ages
and abilities. Tourism Saskatchewan will
continue to work with active partners to further
develop quality experiences and create
marketing materials promoting the Chief
Whitecap Waterway. During the summer, high
definition drone footage of the river valley was
collected and can be viewed on the website.
Stand-up paddle board clinics, held in August,
were well-received and brought attention to the
range of water-based activities in the area. Plans
for 2016 include the development of guided
treks along the waterway, enhanced route maps
and expanded merchandise sales.
25 Years for Ness Creek Music Festival
One of Saskatchewan’s signature music events,
the Ness Creek Music Festival, just celebrated
25 years of staging impressive performances and
talent in the northern boreal forest near Big River.
The 2015 festival, held July 16-19, may go on
record as one of the wettest, but rain could not
dampen the spirits of over 4,000 music fans who
travelled from across Saskatchewan and beyond
to enjoy 25 performances on the Main Stage, nine
late-night acts on the After Hours stage and more
than 50 workshops.
“The Ness Creek Music Festival started as a small
gathering of people who loved music and loved
the forest. It was a community where everyone
knew everyone. That’s the atmosphere that the
festival has managed to retain throughout these
past 25 years,” Gord Olson, festival co-founder,
said. “With over 4,000 people now, you might not
know everyone when you get there, but you’re
sure to come away from the festival with a few
new friends and that same feeling that you’re a
part of a community.”
Located approximately 250 kilometres north of
Saskatoon, the Ness Creek site is 320 acres
surrounded by lush forest. The majority of festival
attendees settle in for the weekend, taking full
advantage of the camping facilities and services
that have been developed.
The Ness Creek Music Festival is definitely a family
affair. After 25 years, there are generations
making the festival an annual tradition. Many of
the 500 volunteers have long-standing ties to the
event and are proud to give back and contribute
to its ongoing success. This year’s youngest
volunteer was 13 and the oldest in their seventies.
In addition to support from within the
community, volunteers from as far away as
Vancouver Island, the United Kingdom and
Germany helped with the event.
The Ness Creek Music Festival has a mandate to
showcase Saskatchewan musicians, with over
50 per cent of the programming on the Main
Stage dedicated to artists from the province.
Overall, the festival features roughly 90 per cent
local talent when the workshops and other
performances are considered.
The Moondoggies play rock on the Main Stage.
Continued on page 9
Core Ventures, which manages the site and
produces three annual summer music festivals
along with cultural activities throughout the year.
For new artists, the festival may open doors and
kick-start their careers. For a number of
established entertainers, the festival is a regular
stop on their summer touring schedule. The
relaxed atmosphere, natural acoustics and the
chance to reunite with friends and connect with
fans in a breathtaking setting are just a few
qualities that make this festival a favourite.
Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Megan Nash
returned this year for the second time. “It’s unlike
any other festival I’ve been to before,” Nash said
prior to performing her solo set on the Main
Stage. “People are here to have a nice time and to
connect with each other. There’s an emphasis on
being positive and treating others with respect.
My favourite part is being able to reconnect with
other Saskatchewan musicians or other touring
acts. It’s a gorgeous place too, so it’s a beautiful
environment to experience original music.”
Tourism Saskatchewan, through its Event Hosting
Program, is in a three-year partnership with Ness
“Twenty-five years ago, we did not expect that
this one music festival would lead to what the site
has become,” Gord Olson added. “With three
music festivals, the Ness Creek Site has become a
cultural destination. There’s something for
everyone and we’re very happy to be able to
share this amazing place with people who love
music and the forest.”
The Ness Creek Music Festival, Country at the
Creek (held each June) and the Northern Lights
Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Festival (August)
are summer experiences that are bringing
increasing numbers of visitors to northern
Saskatchewan. These events, along with a variety
of Ness Creek initiatives, reflect the renowned
brand of hospitality for which our province is
known and the innovative spirit of
Saskatchewan’s tourism sector.
Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Megan Nash entertains
on the Main Stage.
Strategic, partner-supported bids win major events
Canadian country music stars and fans are set
to kick up their heels in Saskatoon in 2017. In
June, the Canadian Country Music Association
(CCMA) announced that the city was chosen
to host PotashCorp Country Music Week,
September 7-10, 2017. The four-day event is a
combination music festival/industry
conference culminating in the CCMA Awards
broadcast.
There is serious competition among cities
vying to host a national showcase of this
calibre, and the bid process can be
demanding. Tourism Saskatoon was
acknowledged by the CCMA as the driving
force behind the winning bid for Canadian
Country Music Week 2017, bringing the
prestigious event back to Saskatoon for the
second time in five years.
Tourism Saskatoon President and CEO
Todd Brandt shared some insights about
the bidding process, which can require solid
groundwork years before the scheduled date
of an event. “National bids are often three or
four years out; international events even
longer,” Brandt said, noting that there are
initial steps and research to consider before
making the pitch. To begin, it is important to
determine the needs of the client group
(dates, facility requirement, volunteer
contingent, etc.), as well as gauge support at
the local level.
“Are there local leaders involved with the
client organization that can be engaged to
help secure the event or conference? This is
critical, as these people often form the host
committee leadership team if the bid is
successful,” Brandt added. “We have to be
strategic, ensuring that there is a defined
need, opportunity and benefit to hosting the
event, both from the perspective of our
industry and the client.”
Saskatoon has a reputation for great
hospitality and success in hosting national
and international conferences, sport
competitions, festivals and performance
showcases. Tourism Saskatoon’s position is at
the forefront of organizing efforts to “sell”
Saskatoon to prospective clients.
province, providing support through its Event
Hosting Program. PotashCorp Country Music
Week 2017 is estimated to have a $6-8 million
economic impact.
“We present ourselves as a co-ordinated
entity to site selection committees – a
one-stop shop to handle the bid process
and manage all of the components that are
important to that specific client,” Brandt said.
“Our community takes a lot of pride in
hosting. Hosting Excellence is one of our six
major brand attributes. Being an
internationally accredited Destination
Marketing Organization (DMO) also helps to
convince potential customers that we have
the capacity and sophistication they seek in a
host city.”
Meanwhile, another Saskatchewan city is
preparing for its second shot at hosting an
international curling championship. The Ford
World Women’s Championship returns to
Swift Current, March 19-27, 2016. In 2010, the
city welcomed the world’s top female curlers
and legions of fans. More than 500 volunteers
helped to make this championship a
resounding success that had an economic
impact of $9-10 million. Tourism
Saskatchewan is a proud supporter of the
2016 Fold World Women’s Curling
Championship, which is expected to have an
economic impact of $10-12 million.
Assembling a bid is a community effort and
establishing partnerships is the number one
priority, Brandt shared. “There is often a
demand for incentives or event rights fees, at
which time we work with partners such as the
Saskatoon Hotel Association, the City of
Saskatoon and Tourism Saskatchewan to
generate the necessary support.”
Hosting a major event can yield many
immediate and long-term benefits, ranging
from the economic impacts to infrastructure
investments to positive profile for a
community and the lasting memories and
friendships created. Additionally, success can
place a community in a good position for
future bidding. “Good track records make you
an imposing competitor,” Brandt said, adding
that it is still necessary to bring fresh ideas to
each proposal. “Canadian Country Music
Week 2012 (held in Saskatoon) was hugely
successful, which made the bid for 2017
easier – but you can’t rest on those laurels.
We presented creative ideas on how to build
and expand the celebration, which helped us
secure the event in 2017.”
Tourism Saskatchewan is pleased to play a
role in bringing this showcase of talent to the
Event Hosting Program
fall intake deadline:
September 30, 2015
Tourism Saskatchewan encourages
communities, festivals and event organizers to
submit applications for support to the Event
Hosting Program, which provides funding for
events through four program streams:
Community Annual Events; Marquee Annual
Events; National and International Events; and
Special Tourism Projects. A final intake for 2015
closes on September 30. For criteria and
application forms, visit
IndustryMatters.com/event-hosting-program
or contact Tyler Lloyd at 306-787-5525,
tyler.lloyd@tourismsask.com.
Selling Saskatchewan
Summer season busy for Travel Trade and Travel Media
Prior to Rendez-vous Canada in May, Tourism
Saskatchewan’s travel trade team had the
pleasure of hosting three FAM (familiarization)
tours with travel trade decision makers from
the United Kingdom (May 17-22), Canada (May
14-20) and Switzerland (May 20-25).
Maggi Smit of Windows on the Wild and Go
Fishing Worldwide, a U.K.-based tour operator
specializing in wildlife-watching, soft adventure
and fishing tours, currently carries some
Saskatchewan product, but was looking to
expand her offerings.
U.K.-based Maggi Smit enjoys Saskatchewan FAM tour
and visit to Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
A travel itinerary to parts of northern
Saskatchewan was planned. In addition to
gaining knowledge of the experiences,
spending time with the industry operators was
key for Maggi. Unsurprisingly, the north and its
people left an indelible impression on her. As a
result of her time spent here, she is developing
a checklist for her clients of quintessential
northern Saskatchewan experiences for the
outdoor enthusiast, and positioning Saskatoon
as a gateway to the north.
Canada’s top receptive tour operator Jonview
and popular Swiss tour operator Skytours were
looking for ideas, accommodations and routing
that could help them develop itineraries for
inclusion in their 2016 selling season. As a
direct result of the May FAM and further
conversation at Rendez-vous Canada, Jonview
has published a 14-day/13-night
Alberta/Saskatchewan itinerary in their tariff.
Additionally, DERTour, a leading German-based
specialist in North American travel, has picked
up that same itinerary to promote to their
customers.
Destinations and partners in the May FAMs
included Batoche National Historic Site,
attractions and businesses in the Waskesiu &
Area Wilderness Region, Saskatoon, Regina and
Moose Jaw, as well as Churchill River Canoe
Outfitters, Historic Reesor Ranch and La Reata
Ranch. Thanks to all for treating our guests to
great hospitality and memorable experiences.
German Consumer Prize Trip
German prize winners with Heidi Wesling and Amy McInnis at Prince Albert
National Park.
In 2014, Tourism Saskatchewan ran an in-market German promotion
in partnership with Deuter Sport, a German sporting goods company,
and SK Touristik, one of Tourism Saskatchewan’s key trade accounts.
Out of the 5,000 entrants, six lucky German consumers won an allinclusive trip to Saskatchewan. From June 1-10, travel trade
representatives Heidi Wesling and Amy McInnis toured the winners
around the province, covering over 2,600 kilometres. The group
visited Saskatoon, Prince Albert National Park, North Battleford,
Sceptre (and the Great Sand Hills), Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park,
La Reata Ranch and Regina. Accompanying them and chronicling
their adventures was a freelance journalist from Germany, whose
daily posts on the Deuter Sport Facebook page received over 121,000
impressions.
Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference
Saskatchewan’s diverse geography and wide-open spaces, abundance
of wildlife and variety of outdoor recreation make the province a
source of inspiration for outdoor adventure journalists. The Outdoor
Writers Association of America (OWAA) held its annual conference in
Knoxville, Tennessee on June 26-28 and Tourism Saskatchewan was
there to showcase the province as a premier fishing and hunting
destination. Shane Owen, Media Relations Consultant, met with
outdoor writers from across the United States, answered their
questions about Saskatchewan and shared information about the
phenomenal outdoor experiences the province offers. The conference
was an opportunity to forge key contacts with well-known and
respected writers.
Tourism Saskatchewan last attended the OWAA Conference in 2011.
The 2015 conference marks the start of a three-year commitment to
work with the OWAA membership in order to bolster Saskatchewan’s
fishing and hunting presence in the U.S. market. This initiative forms
part of the strategy for marketing Saskatchewan’s outdoor offerings in
the U.S., based on recommendations from the comprehensive study
conducted by Southwick Associates in 2014. Two U.S. media trips to
the province are in the planning process, a direct result of Tourism
Saskatchewan’s involvement in the OWAA conference.
Travel Media Association of Canada Conference
The 2015 Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) Conference, held in
Peterborough on June 10-13, attracted more than 80 vetted Canadian-based media
representatives. The writers and photographers who attend this event are recognized
as the country’s “movers and shakers in print, radio, television and the web (from
blogging to social media).”
Tourism Saskatchewan was represented by Travel Media Specialist Jodi Holliday, who
met directly with more than 20 media to discuss tourism opportunities in our province.
Aviva Zack, Tourism Saskatoon’s Director of Media, was also a part of the Saskatchewan
delegation to the conference.
The annual TMAC Awards are a highlight of the conference and honour the finest travel
writing and photography produced by the association. Saskatchewan’s own Jenn
Smith Nelson was the recipient of the Best Outdoors/Adventure Feature Award,
sponsored by Tourism Saskatchewan, for her story In Saskatchewan, Bison are King,
published on vacay.ca.
Tourism Saskatchewan’s Jodi Holliday (centre) with Best Outdoors/Adventure
Feature TMAC Award winners Mark Stevens (left) and Jenn Smith Nelson (right).
Summer Media Visits
The Travel Media team welcomed three international travel writers in July.
Visiting from Germany were Oliver Gerhard, representing KANADA Magazin, and
Thomas Linkel, writing for Abenteuer und Reisen. Writer Ron Stern travelled here
from the United States. Highlights included visits to Yorkton (to see the RCMP
Musical Ride), Big Muddy, Cypress Hills, Batoche National Historic Site, Manitou
Lake and Waskesiu & Area Wilderness Region. Stern has already posted several
articles about his time in Saskatchewan on sites such as moneymagpie.com,
justsaygo.com and thedailymeal.com.
In August, the media team hosted blogger Hyewon Jun from South Korea, who
explored Saskatoon, Manitou Lake, Regina and Moose Jaw. Her travel
experiences and adventures are shared on greendayslog.com.
Ron Stern image – RCMP Musical Ride in Yorkton
Showcasing Saskatchewan at consumer marketplaces
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Opportunities
Catalogue.
Last year, 94 operators and tourism organizations accessed more than
$80,000 in partnership funds that assisted with eligible costs associated
with having a presence at these key marketplaces.
For full details about this partnership opportunity and to request
application forms and registration information, contact Kelly Brezinski at
306-787-2219 or email
kelly.brezinski@tourismsask.com.
Around the Province
Summer as the Saskatchewanderer
Submitted by Saskatchewanderer Ashlyn George
Top: Saskatchewanderer Ashlyn George at Castle Butte.
Bottom: Ashlyn reels in a big one at Pine Island Resort.
Top: Ashlyn’s adventure with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
Bottom: Behind the wheel at Estevan Motor Speedway.
Hiking, fishing, ziplining, biking, golfing, and flying in a Snowbird jet are
just a few of the adventures I have been able to experience this sunny and
hot season as the 2015 Saskatchewanderer. For me, summer in
Saskatchewan has been a true outdoor journey through the land of living
skies, across the rolling prairies and into the proud forests of our province.
Next, I discovered Grasslands National Park with the Parks Canada Youth
Ambassadors – a highlight as it was my first time exploring the area. I slept
overnight in a tipi, trekked through the grasslands, visited the bison and
gazed at the billions of stars overhead in one of Canada’s largest dark sky
preserves.
The top thrill of the summer was a follow-up to the home opener of
Moose Jaw’s 15 Wing Base Canadian Forces Snowbirds demonstration
team. I was privileged to go on a media flight with Captain Steve Reed in
the CT-114 Tutor Jet Snowbird 7 outer left wing. It was a dizzying but
thrilling 48-minute flight, performing synchronized manoeuvres and
pushing up to 4 g in the jet – an experience I won’t soon forget!
Cruising across the province, I stopped for a bite at Harvest Eatery and
Fresh Market in Shaunavon to try the best burger in Saskatchewan, the
Harvest Burger. I followed with a stop in Bengough to enjoy a variety of
talented artists at the Gateway Music Festival. One evening, I travelled to
the Big Muddy Badlands for a spectacular sunset atop 60-metre high
Castle Butte, enjoying it all to myself.
Early in June, I flew north to one of Saskatchewan’s premier fishing
destinations, Pine Island Resort. Immediately feeling at home in the
cozy lodging situated on Black Bear Island Lake, part of the Churchill
River system, I spent my time watching wildlife, exploring the area by boat
and, of course, fishing. To my delight, I reeled in a 25-pound, 43-inch
northern pike for a fantastic photo opportunity before releasing it back
into the water.
I completed my tour of the south with a stop at the Estevan Motor
Speedway for a thrilling race around the dirt track in a stock car. I also had
the opportunity to tour the world’s first Carbon Capture and Storage
project at the SaskPower Boundary Dam Station.
Heading down to southern Saskatchewan, I spent almost two weeks
exploring west to east. I witnessed my first Royal Canadian Mounted Police
(RCMP) Musical Ride at the 140th anniversary of Fort Walsh in the Cypress
Hills Destination Area. A special location for the Musical Ride, Fort Walsh
was the original headquarters for the North West Mounted Police (NWMP)
and was where their signature black horses were bred and raised.
Exciting adventures are scheduled for the fall, beginning in September
with several days planned at Waters Edge Eco Lodge on Greig Lake in
Meadow Lake Provincial Park. Later in the month, I will head to Buffalo
Pound Provincial Park for a trail run and some exploration of the hills and
lake. In October, I plan to visit the Global Transportation Hub outside of
Regina.
To read more about my adventures, follow me on Facebook
(facebook.com/skwanderer), Twitter (@skwanderer) or Instagram
(@saskatchewanderer). To keep up with my latest blogs and videos,
visit saskatchewanderer.ca.
In the Spotlight
Grant Hall Hotel
Moose Jaw
Mortlach Saskatoonberry Festival
Mortlach
SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival
Swift Current
Recipients of the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence earn their place in the spotlight by demonstrating exceptional work and a
commitment to treating visitors to great service and experiences. Throughout the year, Going Places will profile those who took top honours at
the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence gala in April. In this issue, we are pleased to highlight three award winners.
Grant Hall Hotel, Moose Jaw, Rookie of
the Year
Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Roughrider
Football Club
Grant Hall Hotel opened in November, 2013
after an ambitious ten-year restoration that
rescued the Moose Jaw landmark from the
wrecking ball and transformed it into a property
that addresses a range of local accommodation
needs and provides comfortable, luxury
lodging. With 22 rooms and four executive
suites, this exquisite boutique hotel is ideal
whether you are staying for business or a
relaxing getaway. Its central location affords
convenient access to great shopping,
entertainment and a variety of attractions in
downtown Moose Jaw. The Grant Hall Dining
Room & Lounge provides guests with fine food
and wine in a strikingly elegant setting. From
the onset, Grant Hall Hotel management and
staff have been dedicated to a culture of service
with impressive standards and unparalleled
customer service. Plan your stay and see
everything the property has to offer by visiting
granthall.ca.
Mortlach Saskatoonberry Festival, Mortlach,
Community Event of the Year
Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Arts Board
The Mortlach Saskatoonberry Festival is a
delicious celebration of community, organized
by the Mortlach Community Development and
Agricultural Society (MCDAS). This saskatoon
berry block party serves up spectacular fun for
the entire family, along with mouth-watering
delights. A delicious pancake breakfast, fresh
saskatoon berry pies, musical entertainment, a
colourful parade, children’s games, a petting
zoo, wagon rides and an arts market make for a
full day of activities. Local businesses, street
vendors and a number of community groups all
benefit from the event. The festival regularly
attracts people from all across southern
Saskatchewan, and has welcomed visitors from
other parts of Canada, the United States and as
far away as Europe and Japan. The celebration
has grown substantially over its eight year
history, and as many as 3,000 attendees take
home warm memories, plus a pie or two. To
learn more about this flavourful event, visit
mortlach.ca.
SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival, Swift
Current, Marquee Event of the Year
Sponsored by The StarPhoenix/Leader-Post
For more than a decade, the SaskPower
Windscape Kite Festival has attracted kite
enthusiasts from around the world. This annual
two-day event, held in Swift Current, is a perfect
start to the summer season. A feast of amazing
visuals colour the prairie sky, with designs
ranging from handmade kites the size of houses
to gigantic flying creatures. Kite buggies race
across the sky, challenging the speed limit,
while stunt kites flown in tandem deliver an
impressive performance. In 2014, the festival
attracted over 9,000 people from across North
America and as far away as France and
Germany. The event complements Swift
Current’s annual Long Day’s Night Music
Festival, which offers dynamic evening
entertainment and performances spanning
various musical styles. Make your way to next
year’s SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival, June
25-26, and let your imagination soar. Vacation
packages and more are available at
windscapekitefestival.ca.
Tourism Trends
Events benefit tourism
Craven Country Jamboree
Events are an important part of the tourism landscape. They are a
significant economic driver, create jobs, improve quality of life and can be
a catalyst to attract visitors to your community or area.
Last fall, Tourism Saskatchewan contracted the research firm Insightrix to
conduct a study to monitor summer vacation activities and measure future
travel intentions among Saskatchewan and Alberta residents. The results
showed strong support of events in Saskatchewan from those target
markets.
In the summer of 2014, 80 per cent of Saskatchewan residents and eight
per cent of Albertans took a non-business trip within or to the province.
Of the Saskatchewan residents, 24 per cent attended an entertainment
event outside of their home community, with 15 per cent identifying the
occasion as their main reason for travel. Eighteen per cent of residents
attended a sports event away from home and 12 per cent travelled to
attend a cultural event, with 11 and six per cent, respectively, citing the
events as their motivation for travel.
2015 Regina Folk Festival
Forty-one per cent of Saskatchewan residents hosted a visitor from outside
of the province. For these guests, visiting family and friends was the
primary reason for travel, yet more than half (56 per cent) attended an
event while in the province and nearly 40 per cent attended two or more
events. Greater than half (51 per cent) of these events and attractions were
outside of the community that they were visiting. This shows that while
many visitors may stay with friends and relatives and, as a result, have no
accommodation costs, they still seek out and pay for entertainment,
including events, while they are here. In many cases, their decision to
attend an event appears to be incidental as it was not their primary reason
for travel.
Of the Albertan visitors surveyed, 16 per cent attended an entertainment
event (seven per cent, main reason), 16 per cent attended a sports event
(seven per cent, main reason) and nine per cent attended a cultural event
(four per cent, main reason). Those attending entertainment, sport or
cultural showcases generally spent one or more days away from home on
such trips. Forty-four per cent of the Saskatchewan residents surveyed
indicated that they took same-day, as well as overnight or longer trips to
enjoy events in the province. In the case of both markets, people
attending events were more likely to be travelling without children.
Events have a significant economic impact on local communities and on
the province. Tourism Saskatchewan unveiled an Event Hosting Strategy
in December, 2013. In the first year of its Event Hosting Program,
102 applications were received and support was provided to 38 events
of various types and sizes in communities throughout the province. Of the
38 funded events, 13 were selected for economic impact models to
determine their impact on the local economy. Tourism Saskatchewan
provided $188,000 in funding to these 13 events that supported 213 jobs
and had a local GDP impact of $17.8 million. The assessments were
calculated based upon attendance and information collected and supplied
by the event.
Approximately 20 per cent of the surveyed Saskatchewan residents and
13 per cent of the Alberta visitors searched for event information while
travelling in Saskatchewan on non-business trips. Close to half of the
travellers used a tech device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) to gather
information, most commonly to search for directions, accommodations,
food and/or attractions.
Tourism Saskatchewan’s Event Hosting Program is application-based and
provides funding for events through four program streams: Community
Annual Events; Marquee Annual Events; National and International Events;
and Special Tourism Projects. For more information, visit
IndustryMatters.com/event-hosting-program.
Interactive Insights
Discovering #SaskatchewanStories
This summer, Tourism Saskatchewan, in
collaboration with Destination Canada (formerly
the Canadian Tourism Commission), welcomed
six popular travel-focused Instagrammers and
videographers to the province. Over the course
of seven days, these online influencers travelled
around Saskatoon and Prince Albert National
Park, chronicling highlights of their journey and
sharing images with their over 606,000
combined followers on Instagram and YouTube.
Tourism Saskatchewan appreciated the
opportunity to host these social media
celebrities:
• The Vagabrothers – Marko and Alex Ayling,
San Diego, CA; 47,000 YouTube subscribers on
youtube.com/user/vagabrothers; 17,700
Instagram followers on
instagram.com/vagabrothers
• Joe Greer, Portland, OR; 340,000 Instagram
followers on instagram.com/joegreer
• Madison Bosworth, Nashville, TN; 54,300
Instagram followers on
instagram.com/madisonbosworth
• Tina Albrecht, Vancouver, BC; 44,100 Instagram
followers on instagram.com/bittadesign
• Scott Rankin, Vancouver BC; 150,000 Instagram
followers on instagram.com/othellonine
These guests provided their followers a unique
view of Saskatchewan and brought great profile
to the province. The group generated 35
Instagram posts during the trip, reaching
potentially 19,000 followers. The Vagabrothers
also created two YouTube videos that have
received 17,525 views to date. The tour was
co-ordinated with the help of the social
engagement agency Stay and Wander.
During the campaign, Tourism Saskatchewan’s
Instagram channel saw a 5.7 per cent increase in
followers. There were more than 269,000
responses (likes and comments) to the content
that was created by these influencers. The level
of engagement is impressive and Instagram
comments like the following spark interest in our
province and broaden the profile of remarkable
Saskatchewan experiences:
• Ninaontherhein: “Incredible photo...I miss the
great people and places of Saskatchewan!”
• leahsaurus555: “Yes PLEASE let's live here.”
@lazyctyworkr you can visit @speckledkat
• chookytravels: “Looks like heaven.”
• lec101: “Unreal! Have a great trip. I'd love to see
it all firsthand.”
TOP FIVE TIPS
FOR CREATING SHAREABLE SOCIAL CONTENT
Social media is an increasingly important way
of promoting your business, but it can be
tough to use effectively. Try these tips to get
the most out of your social media marketing.
1. INCLUDE LINKS
• If you do not have all of the pertinent
information in your post, add a link. If you are
worried about the link not fitting, shortening
tools like bit.ly will keep your posts clean and
concise.
• Links are also a great way to drive traffic to
your website.
2. PHOTOS, PHOTOS, PHOTOS
• Add relevant photos to your posts that set the
scene. DO: use quality imagery. DO NOT: post
blurry images.
• Is the image that you are posting adding
value for your followers and enticing them to
seek more information or, better yet, visit? The
answer should always be “Yes.”
3. AUTOSHARE CAREFULLY
• Although syndication/autoshare apps such
as Hootsuite are convenient, you should
customize your message for each social
media channel.
• The character limits on each platform are
different. When you share the same post to
Facebook and Twitter, the copy may not fully
transfer. Always check your message and
make sure that it is complete and clear.
4. USE POPULAR HASHTAGS
• Consider popular hashtags that can extend
the reach of your post.
• Destination Canada and Tourism
Saskatchewan work diligently to curate
content through the hashtags
#ExploreCanada and #ExploreSask. These
hashtags have captured the attention of
consumers, who regularly search for and use
them to find and share content.
5. PROOFREAD!
• Incorrect spelling and misuse of common
words appear unprofessional and can damage
your credibility. Check your posts for accurate
grammar and spelling. Before publishing,
check them again. If you do notice a mistake,
fix it ASAP!
ExploreCanada Instagram
Since their tour in June, all of the visitors have
continued to reflect on their time in
Saskatchewan though new online postings,
further expanding the reach of these positive
tourism messages and images.
A special thank you is extended to the tourism
partners who helped to make this visit such a
success – Parks Canada, Tourism Saskatoon,
Eco-Adventures 306/Zip Elk Ridge, Elk Ridge
Resort, Waskesiu Marina Adventure Centre,
Sturgeon River Ranch, Delta Bessborough,
SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival and Ayden
Kitchen & Bar.
To see all of the #SaskatchewanStories, visit
TourismSaskatchewan.com/SaskatchewanStories.
STEC puts the
“social” in social
media
The Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council
(STEC) publishes regular profiles of tourism and
hospitality professionals on its Facebook and
LinkedIn pages. The profiles are one way to
inform industry about some of the exemplary
work currently underway and pay tribute to
some of the talented individuals who put heart
and soul into making Saskatchewan a great
destination.
The profiles have proved very popular,
consistently obtaining the greatest reach,
drawing the most comments and shares, and
bringing new “likes” to the STEC pages. After all,
the best social media is not about “me” – it is all
about sharing and recognizing what is special
about “you.” See for yourself at facebook.com/
SaskatchewanTourismEducationCouncil and
linkedin.com/company/saskatchewantourism-education-council.
KEEPING OUR PAST PRESENT: A WORLD VIEW TO HELP
REVITALIZE CLAYBANK BRICK PLANT
Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site
The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation has partnered with the Prince’s
Charities Canada in an effort to conserve one of the province’s most
unique heritage sites. Together, they will undertake a full review of the
operations at Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site. The partnership
will benefit from the expertise of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust that, for
the first time, is undertaking a project outside of the United Kingdom.
“Our Government is thrilled to partner with the Prince’s Charities Canada
and the Prince’s Regeneration Trust for this exciting project,” Minister of
Parks, Culture and Sport Mark Docherty said. “Claybank has a vibrant past
and by looking at ways in which it can better serve communities in the
present, we can ensure it continues to enrich the lives of citizens both now
and in the future.”
“We are delighted to have chosen Claybank as the first in a series of pilot
projects aimed at bringing The Prince of Wales’s approach to heritage-led
regeneration to Canada,” Matthew J. Rowe, Director of Partnerships for
Prince’s Charities Canada, said. “Our partners bring unmatched expertise
that will help develop a sustainable plan for Claybank’s future while
building the future capacity of The National Trust for Canada to help
similar properties across the country.”
The partnership between the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and the
Prince’s Charities Canada will examine ways in which Claybank Brick Plant
can better serve the needs of neighbouring communities and businesses.
Community consultations held in Regina, Moose Jaw and Avonlea have
jumpstarted discussions regarding the future of the site. Some of the
questions addressed at these meetings included the following: What does
the site mean to surrounding communities? How might it be used
differently without taking away from the historical fabric? How can
Claybank Brick Plant once again contribute to the social and economic
well-being of nearby communities?
Claybank bricks
Located 15 kilometres west of Avonlea, Claybank served as an operational
brick manufacturing plant from 1914-1989. Bricks manufactured at the site
have been used to construct prominent Canadian buildings such as the
Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon and Le Château Frontenac in Quebec
City. The site is designated a provincial and national heritage site and
remains one of Canada’s greatest examples of early twentieth century
industrialism.
Nestled in the hills of southern Saskatchewan, Claybank Brick Plant has
remained relatively unchanged since its opening in 1914. The surrounding
landscape is scenic prairie grassland, and the Massold Clay Canyons, which
yielded the clay for brickmaking, are rich with local flora and fauna. Today,
the site is held in trust by the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation and
operated by the Claybank Brick Plant Historical Society. The work of the
society enables citizens to step back in time and experience
Saskatchewan’s vibrant past by offering site tours throughout the summer
months.
For hours of operation and information about the Claybank Brick Plant,
visit pcs.gov.sk.ca/SHF (click on Partners near the top, then on Claybank
Brick Plant National Historic Site).
The Prince’s Charities Canada and the Prince’s Regeneration Trust are
philanthropic organizations established by His Royal Highness the Prince
of Wales. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust operates in the United Kingdom
and is a world leader in repurposing heritage buildings. For more
information about Prince’s Charities Canada, visit princescharities.ca.
Article submitted by the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport
Investments in Provincial Parks
In July, the Government of Saskatchewan announced its investment of nearly $700,000 in improving visitor experiences at Moose Mountain Provincial
Park. Work is underway on a new beach service centre, scheduled for completion in 2016. The new facility will provide safe, clean and accessible public
washroom and shower facilities. The design includes a programming area that will provide space and storage for interpretive and waterfront activities.
The Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment of more than $350,000 to campsite electrical expansion and upgrading at Buffalo Pound Provincial
Park was announced in August. Service at fifty campsites in Maple Vale campground will be upgraded while a total of 54 sites in Maple Vale, Elm View
and Lakeside campgrounds will receive new electric service. The enhancements will see 15 or 30 amp service offered at each campsite, with a number
powered with 50 amp service to accommodate larger recreational vehicles.
An investment of $800,000 to upgrade the wastewater system at Greenwater Provincial Park will enhance service and provide greater convenience to
visitors. A new three-bay sewage disposal system will be added and two aging sewage lift stations will be replaced with a larger, more efficient station
to address increasing demand. Earlier in the season, a new campground development opened in the park, adding 68 full-service sites. For more
information on provincial parks, visit saskparks.net.
STRENGTHENING SASKATCHEWAN
– TRAINING A NEW GENERATION OF VOLUNTEERS
Saskatchewan is recognized as having some of
the best volunteers in the country. Residents of
the province are known for their hospitality and
for their ability and willingness to host local,
national and international events. The success
with events such as the 2013 Grey Cup Festival,
2014 North American Indigenous Games and
2015 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, to name
just a few, can be credited to the outstanding
work and commitment of volunteers.
In an effort to further enrich the voluntary
movement in Saskatchewan, the Community
Initiatives Fund is supporting the Voluntary
Sector Studies Network, a new initiative of
Luther College at the University of Regina.
The Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN) is
an interdisciplinary, community-university
collaboration comprising students, the voluntary
sector and faculty/staff. Its main purpose is to
develop a more direct and visible route for
graduating students to enter careers in the
voluntary sector through the creation of a postsecondary certificate program. The first of its
kind in Saskatchewan, the proposed certificate
will support the vitality of the voluntary sector in
the province and contribute to the well-being of
Saskatchewan communities.
To help the VSSN implement its 2015-2017
action plan, the Community Initiatives Fund
(CIF) has awarded the network with a two-year
grant worth $209,888. Like the VSSN, the CIF
envisions vibrant, sustainable communities that
take pride in their Saskatchewan roots. A Special
Purpose Fund created through the
Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and
administered through the Ministry of Parks,
Culture and Sport, the CIF provides grants to
community-led projects that support
community development across the province.
In addition to supporting the voluntary sector in
Saskatchewan, the CIF also offers two grant
programs for community-led projects within the
province: the Community Grant Program and
the Community Places and Spaces Program.
The Community Grant Program provides
funding to programs that help provide positive
experiences and safe, supportive environments
for children, youth and families. Such programs
and initiatives contribute to a community’s
well-being by enriching the quality of life of
citizens both visiting and living within a
community.
The town of Rosthern recently received a
Community Places and Spaces grant to help
fund a new, energy-efficient heater in the Valley
Aquatic Centre. A popular gathering place for
locals and for surrounding communities during
the summer, the centre is used by
approximately 6,000 people each year. Since its
installation, the heater has allowed the centre to
remain a summer destination of choice and has
resulted in more than $5,000 in natural gas
savings.
Saskatchewan’s communal spaces and tourism
attractions are resources to be enjoyed by
everyone – visitors, new Canadians and locals
alike. By offering programs that contribute to
community enhancement and which encourage
volunteers to build pride in their hometowns,
the CIF is helping to ensure that Saskatchewan
remains a great place to live, visit and explore
both today and in the future.
Those interested in applying for CIF grants may
do so by visiting cifsask.org. Application
deadlines for the Community Grant Program
are April 1 and October 1. The deadline to
apply to the Community Places and Spaces
Program is also October 1.
The Community Places and Spaces Program
provides funding to projects which aim to
improve the quality, sustainability and
long-term use of multi-purpose facilities that
serve as community gathering places. In the
past, such projects have included purchasing
new playground equipment for community
parks, providing funding for new flooring in a
town hall, reroofing a skating rink and installing
a wheelchair ramp at a local museum so that all
citizens have the opportunity to learn about
Saskatchewan’s vibrant past.
Article submitted by the Ministry of Parks, Culture
and Sport
GOVERNMENT HOUSE INVITES GUESTS FOR TEA
Plans are underway for the 125th anniversary celebration of Government House in
2016. To mark this milestone, a signature tea will be introduced. But before then, there
is some tea tasting and research to be considered. A new feature exhibit, Steeped in
Tradition, opens at Government House on October 1, 2015. The display will engage the
public with insights into the history of tea traditions and an opportunity to directly play
a role in the history of Government House. Tea sampling will be offered and visitors will
be invited to cast their ballot for their favourite of three unique blends prepared by
local merchant Cuppa T’ Specialty Fine Teas – a partner in the project working
alongside Government House and the Government House Historical Society. The tea
with the most votes will become the Government House 125th Anniversary Tea, which
will be packaged and sold through the Government House Historical Society and
Cuppa T’ Specialty Fine Teas. Steeped in Tradition will run throughout the month
of October.
Also in 2016, the Government House Historical Society will celebrate 25 years of
offering the popular afternoon Victorian Teas, held one weekend each month from
March to November, with a special Christmas Tea offered in December. More than 50
volunteers are involved in planning these occasions, shopping for supplies, preparing
the delicious finger sandwiches, scones and sweets, and serving guests in the Henry
Newlands Ballroom at Government House. Reservations are required and can be made
by calling 639-571-7123. For more information, visit governmenthouse.gov.sk.ca.
Visitors of all ages enjoy the Victorian Teas, hosted by the Government
House Historical Society.
STEC News
Tourism Professional
Recognition Dinners
Saskatchewan’s tourism sector honoured 47 new nationally certified tourism
professionals and 13 new Journeypersons, at the 22nd Annual Tourism
Professional Recognition Dinners, held June 8 at the Travelodge Hotel
Saskatoon and June 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference
Centre Regina.
These occasions also celebrated business achievements in the past year,
recognizing 25 Employers of Choice, 12 emerit Properties and 24 Service Best
businesses.
A special guest attending the dinner in Regina was Wendy Swedlove, who
retired as President of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council
(CTHRC) in March, after a remarkable 30-year career as a tireless champion of
the Canadian tourism industry. Swedlove was a founding President of the
CTHRC and led the council for more than 20 years to build a globally
competitive and sustainable tourism industry in Canada.
Highlights of the annual Tourism Professional Recognition Dinners are the
presentation of Tourism Ambassador Awards, which honour tourism
professionals whose commitment to professional development is exemplary.
Tourism Ambassador Award recipients
Top, left to right: Darby Kells, Gail Kesslar, Deanna Gaetz
Bottom: d3h Hotels team - Arlene Anholt, Candy McBride, Laurel Waldner
Awards are available for each of the five industries that comprise the tourism
sector, and for leadership and accomplishment in tourism education. This
year’s recipients were as follows:
• Food and Beverage Industry – Darby Kells, Executive Chef, Capanna
Pizzeria, Saskatoon
• Accommodations Industry – Candy McBride, Chief Human Resource Officer;
Arlene Anholt, Employment Manager; and Laurel Waldner, Payroll
Administrator, d3h Hotels Inc., Saskatoon
• Travel Services Industry – Gail Kesslar, Executive Director, Cypress Hills
Destination Area Inc., Swift Current
• Educator of the Year – Deanna Gaetz, Enterprise Division Manager,
Carlton Trail Regional College, Humboldt
New Serve It Right Saskatchewan requirements announced
On June 22, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that employees
serving and selling alcohol in licensed establishments will be required to
complete Serve It Right Saskatchewan (SIRS) server intervention training.
“For years, SIRS training for bar and restaurant staff has been voluntary in
Saskatchewan,” the Honourable Don McMorris, Minister Responsible for the
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said. “Mandatory training is an
important tool that will help ensure the responsible service of alcohol and
the safety of patrons in the hospitality industry.”
A three-year phase-in for the program was identified:
• By June 30, 2016, all owners and managers will be required to have
completed SIRS and new hires must take the training within 30 days of
beginning employment.
Two great deals for
Hotel General Manager
certification
Enrolments in emerit Hotel General Manager certification, through the
Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC), are eligible for funding
through the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant. The grant reimburses
employers up to two-thirds of the cost to train new or existing employees to
meet the skill requirements for available jobs.
To help employers benefit from the Job Grant, STEC has bundled online
training with job coaching support into a comprehensive professional
development package. Support is available for Hotel General Manager
certification and 22 frontline, supervisory and management emerit
Professional and Specialist certification programs.
As a special promotion, STEC is offering a free iPod Nano to each of the
first five HGMs to certify before December 31, 2015.
To find out how the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant can help you build a
more productive workforce, contact Account Representatives Kari Burgess
at 306-933-5913, kari.burgess@tourismsask.com or Jinelle Goller at
306-933-7948, jinelle.goller@tourismsask.com.
• By June 30, 2017, there must be at least one person on each shift who has
completed the training.
• By June 30, 2018, all employees involved in the sale and service of alcohol
must have completed SIRS.
Permittees throughout the province were informed of the new requirements
by letter, sent by SLGA.
The training is delivered by STEC and can be completed as a self-directed
online course or in group seminars. The cost for SIRS online training is $30. To
enrol, visit sirs.ca. Full-day workshops (minimum 16 participants) are offered
at a cost of $50 per participant. To inquire about hosting a workshop, contact
Lendee Wiebe at 306-933-5910 or email lendee.wiebe@tourismsask.com.
WorldHost Fundamentals
reaches province-wide
Since introducing WorldHost Fundamentals at the HOST Saskatchewan Conference
in the spring, Tourism Saskatchewan has been criss-crossing the province to
deliver training. Many tourism businesses and organizations signed up quickly,
and a number of town offices organized workshops for their staff, local
businesses, volunteer organizations and the public. Training has also been
offered to provincial park employees, and regional colleges are making it
available in some communities.
Workshops have been held in Dorintosh, Kipling, Green Lake, Maple Creek,
Moose Jaw, Regina and Saskatoon, with additional dates scheduled for other
communities.
WorldHost Fundamentals is a full-day workshop that teaches front-line employees
the skills and techniques to provide exceptional customer service. Take
advantage of a special promotional offer while it lasts – $20 per participant
eligible to the first 50 workshops in Saskatchewan communities. After this
promotion ends, the regular workshop price applies – $95 per participant.
For information on hosting a WorldHost Fundamentals workshop, contact
Diane Wilson at 306-933-5900 or email diane.wilson@tourismsask.com.
Here & There
Shedding light on walleye eggs at the
Fort Qu’Appelle Fish Culture Station
Carrie Ross, Canadian Museum of Immigration at
Pier 21 Trustee
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On June 4, the Fort Qu’Appelle Fish Culture
Station celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Founded in 1915, the hatchery is responsible for
stocking lakes throughout the province with
species ranging from walleye and northern pike
to several varieties of trout. The Fort Qu’Appelle
Fish Culture Station has the capacity to raise as
many as 60 million fish each year. Stocking
replenishes fish populations in lakes and rivers
after harsh winters or other factors have
reduced numbers. Additionally, the station
stocks bodies of water where fishing pressures
outpace natural population growth. Recently,
operations for the station were transferred from
the Ministry of Environment to the
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF).
Visit swf.sk.ca for more information.
Saskatchewan Science Centre powerhouse
receives national recognition
The 101-year-old landmark structure that houses
the Saskatchewan Science Centre and
SaskPower’s research facility was recently
named a Historic Civil Engineering Site by the
Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE).
Built in 1914 by the Regina Light and Power
Company, the building was initially the main
power supply for the city and was the first coalfired plant in the area. The city sold the building
to SaskPower in 1965, and the plant was phased
out and closed in 1978. Eleven years later, it was
repurposed to accommodate the Saskatchewan
Science Centre. The CSCE acknowledged the
accomplishment of SaskPower and its partners
in transforming “a historic piece of infrastructure
into a vibrant cultural and scientific centre.” To
find out more about the CSCE, visit csce.ca.
Carrie Ross joins Canadian Museum of
Immigration at Pier 21 board of trustees
Carrie Ross, Executive Director of Government
House, has been appointed to the Canadian
Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 board of
trustees. For the past 25 years, Ross has worked
in senior management positions in the private,
non-profit and public sectors, and has been a
leader in Saskatchewan’s tourism sector. She
was on the initial management team of the
RCMP Heritage Centre when it opened in May
2007 and is a past recipient of a Saskatchewan
Tourism Award of Excellence. The recently
re-opened Canadian Museum of Immigration at
Pier 21 is an institution dedicated to exploring
the theme of immigration to Canada in order to
enhance public understanding of the
experiences of immigrants and the vital role that
immigration has played in the development of
the country. The Museum's travelling exhibit,
Canada: Day 1, is currently at the Western
Development Museum (WDM) in Saskatoon
until December 6, 2015 and will then travel to
the WDM in Moose Jaw. For more information,
visit pier21.ca.
Old Man on His Back Ranch goes dark
On July 29, Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)
announced that the Royal Astronomical Society
of Canada (RASC) awarded Old Man on His Back
Prairie and Heritage Conservation Ranch
designation as a Nocturnal Preserve. Located in
southwest Saskatchewan, Old Man on his Back
Ranch is 13,000 acres (5,261 hectares) of
grassland and native prairie and is home to a
herd of genetically-pure plains bison. The ranch
is owned and managed by NCC. The Nocturnal
Preserve designation acknowledges NCC's
commitment to preserving the dark night
environment for the benefit of wildlife and
guarding the area against future light pollution.
The title brings attention to the richness and
diversity of visitor experiences and
Bison at Old Man on His Back Ranch
complements the opportunities for dark sky
viewing in southwestern Saskatchewan. The
Nocturnal Preserve designation was created by
the RASC to broaden understanding about the
health benefits and environmental value of dark
nights for both wildlife and humans. Visit
natureconservancy.ca for additional details.
New communities taking part in the Main
Street Saskatchewan Revitalization Program
The Government of Saskatchewan recently
announced the names of five new communities
accepted into its Main Street Saskatchewan
Program. The program is designed to revitalize
historic downtowns through a combination of
government and private investment. Two tiers
of participation are offered. The Humboldt
Downtown Improvement District and North
Lakes Economic Development Corp (Town of
Spiritwood) have been accepted to the
program’s top Accredited level. The Carrot River
Community Branding Committee, Redvers
Regional Agricultural & Commercial Endeavours
Committee and North Battleford Business
Improvement District Corp will participate at the
Affiliate level. There are now 18 towns and cities
around the province participating in the
program, which began with four communities
in 2011.
Main Street Saskatchewan is a communitydriven revitalization program that uses the
trademarked Main Street Four-Point Approach®
of Community Organization, Economic
Restructuring, Heritage Conservation/Design
and Promotion to capitalize on the unique
strengths of Saskatchewan’s historic
downtowns. For more information about the
Main Street Saskatchewan Program, visit
pcs.gov.sk.ca/MainStreet.
Mark Your Calendar
PUBLIC EVENTS
Saskatoon Farmers’ Market
Year-round .......................................................................Saskatoon
Regina Symphony Orchestra Government House
Concert Series
September 26, 2015-April 24, 2016 ...............................Regina
RCMP Sergeant Major’s Parade
January 5-December 18, 2015.........................................Regina
Tapestrama
September 26-27, 2015..........................................Prince Albert
Regina Farmers’ Market
March 7-December 19, 2015............................................Regina
6th Annual Harvest Family Festival
October 3-11, 2015 ........................................................Rosetown
Nipawin Great Northern Pike Festival
June 21-September 30, 2015 ...................................Tobin Lake
Nipawin Vanity Cup – Walleye Tournament
October 3-4, 2015.........................................................Tobin Lake
Tierra del Sol Pumpkin Festival
September 19-20 and 26-27, 2015..........................Saskatoon
Government House Black Tie Auction
October 8, 2015.....................................................................Regina
Kindersley Goose Festival
September 24-27, 2015...............................................Kindersley
Cream of the Crop Craft and Trade Show
October 9-10, 2015 ..............................................................Regina
Premier Showcase
September 24-26, 2015...............................................Saskatoon
Lancer Chokecherry Festival
October 9-11, 2015...............................................................Lancer
Beechy Western Days Indoor Rodeo
September 25-27, 2015 .....................................................Beechy
Wapella Dodge City Days Rodeo
October 9-10, 2015............................................................Wapella
Culture Days
September 25-27, 2015.......................................Province-wide
Northern Lights Casino Competition Powwow
October 10-11, 2015 ...............................................Prince Albert
Estevan Business Showcase Expo
September 25-27, 2015 ....................................................Estevan
Porcupine Plain Fall Fair and Stew Luncheon
October 15, 2015 ................................................Porcupine Plain
Kamsack & District Indoor Rodeo
September 25-26, 2015 ..................................................Kamsack
Prince Albert Lions Club 15th Annual Craft and
Antiques Sale
October 16-17, 2015 ...............................................Prince Albert
Ranchman’s Ridin’ & Recitin’ and Young Ranchman’s
All Breeds Show
September 25-27, 2015 .........................................Swift Current
Unity Agricultural Society Fall Fair/Trade Show
September 25-26, 2015.........................................................Unity
Borden and District Threshing Day
September 26, 2015 ...........................................................Borden
Festival of Leaves Craft Sale & Trade Show
September 26, 2015........................................................Weyburn
Grenfell Agricultural Fair and Trade Show
September 26, 2015 ..........................................................Grenfell
Highway 1 Studio Tour
September 26-27, 2015 ....................................................Herbert
North Battleford Lions Guns, Toys and Antiques Show
September 26-27, 2015...................................North Battleford
Nuit Blanche Saskatoon
September 26, 2015 .....................................................Saskatoon
Western Development Museum Christmas Craft Fair
October 16-17, 2015.....................................................Saskatoon
Fort Battleford National Historic Site – Halloween
Haunted Fort 2015
October 30, 2015............................................................Battleford
Government House Bump in the Night
October 30, 2015 ..................................................................Regina
Carlyle’s Dickens Village Festival
December 4-5, 2015 ............................................................Carlyle
Sundog Arts & Entertainment Faire
December 4-6, 2015 .....................................................Saskatoon
Watson Santa Claus Days
December 4-5, 2015...........................................................Watson
Government House Old-fashioned Victorian Christmas
December 10 & 12, 2015....................................................Regina
Dickens Yuletide Singers Concerts
December 12-13, 2015 .......................................................Regina
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Managing Your Online Presence Workshops
October, 2015 dates TBA ....................Regina and Saskatoon
2016 HOST Saskatchewan Conference
April 14-15, 2016......................................Ramada Plaza Regina
Downtown, Regina
2016 Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala
April 14, 2016..............................Conexus Arts Centre, Regina
TRADESHOWS/MARKETPLACES/FAMS
TRAVEL TRADE:
Canada Specialist Mega FAM
September 9-15, 2015......................Southern Saskatchewan
Ontario Motor Coach Association Marketplace
November 15-18, 2015 ............................................London, ON
TRAVEL MEDIA:
GoMedia Pre-FAM
September 21-27, 2015 ...................Southern Saskatchewan
GoMedia Marketplace
September 27-October 1, 2015..........................Penticton, BC
Assiniboia Mistletoe Art and Craft Sale
November 6-7, 2015 .....................................................Assiniboia
CONSUMER SHOWS:
Alberta Snowmobile and Powersports Show
October 16-18, 2015 ............................................Edmonton, AB
Wintergreen Fine Craft Market
November 20-22, 2015.......................................................Regina
Saskatchewan Snowmobile Show & Sale
November 6-8, 2015.....................................................Saskatoon
BHP Billiton Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour
2015-2016
November 21, 2015-January 9, 2016......................Saskatoon
STEC PROGRAMS/WORKSHOPS
Facilitator Skills Development
September 22, 2015 .....................................................Saskatoon
Canadian Western Agribition 2015
November 23-28, 2015.......................................................Regina
Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses
to:
TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN
189 - 1621 Albert Street
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
S4P 2S5
E-mail: travel.info@tourismsask.com
Canadian Cowboys’ Association Finals Rodeo 2015
November 24-28, 2015.......................................................Regina
TourismSaskatchewan.com
1-877-237-2273

Summer 2015 - Tourism Saskatchewan

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