REGINA — The Government of Saskatchewan announced $35 million in support for Saskatchewan’s hard-hit tourism sector. Under the Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program, eligible hospitality and event/attraction operators will be able to apply for a one-time, non-repayable emergency payment.
“Saskatchewan’s tourism industry is critically important to our quality of life and attractiveness as a destination for investment,” says Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison. “The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the sector’s recovery will take time. This support will provide some immediate relief for accommodation properties, major event facilities and attractions and will also focus on increasing demand, which will be essential to long-term recovery.”
For the accommodation sector and large event facilities, payments will range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on sales revenue. For attraction, tour or event operators with ongoing fixed costs, payments will range from $7,500 to $15,000.
Of the $35 million, $5-million will be used to support marketing and increasing the demand for Saskatchewan tourism experiences.
“The COVID-19 pandemic delivered a devastating blow to our province’s tourism sector,” says Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Gene Makowsky. “The new Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program will provide critically needed support to accommodations, venues, attractions and tourism businesses. The $35-million investment will stimulate the sector’s recovery, build resiliency and help tourism operators continue to deliver remarkable Saskatchewan experiences.”
The province also recently announced it will invest nearly $8 million for facility and infrastructure improvements in southern provincial parks in 2020/21. A total investment of more than $14.6-million will be made across Saskatchewan’s provincial-parks system this year.
