Egland scores Teddy Bear Toss goal but Pats lose in OT
7h ago
Over 3,000 stuffed animals were tossed onto the ice.
It’s almost too good to be true.
If all goes well, in mere weeks, Saskatchewan residents could be going to more festivals, concerts, live events and exhibitions across the province.
Earlier this week, the provincial government announced that if 70 per cent of those 12 years of age and older get their first COVID-19 vaccine doses by June 20, all remaining indoor and outdoor restrictions could be lifted as early as July 11.
Tourism Saskatoon CEO Stephanie Clovechok says while encouraging, it doesn’t mean an immediate return to stability in the tourism sector as a whole.
“Primarily when we think of our accommodation partners, they are really reliant on people from within the city to continue having ‘staycations,’ from people outside of the city to come and attend these festivals and events and stay in our hotels,” she explained.
“So while we’re really excited about the news and very grateful that Saskatchewan is leading the way in the country, right now we still have quite a long road to recovery ahead of us.”
Chelsea Galloway, Tourism Regina’s chief tourism and visitor growth officer, says the tourism sector needs some good news because the last year has been devastating.
“It’s no secret that tourism is one of the hardest-hit industries as a result of COVID,” Galloway said. “A lot of our businesses had to shut down to keep people safe. I think it’s a really exciting opportunity now for them to be able to to reopen.”
Much of the rebound for the tourism sector will rely on people getting their vaccinations in this province, throughout the country and around the world in order to ensure everyone’s safety. It will also depend at least initially on how hesitant people are to welcome visitors to the city, according to Clovechok.
“We’re listening very closely right now to the residents of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan as a whole to understand how they feel about welcoming travellers from outside of our own province,” she said. “So right now, there’s still a bit of hesitancy — but we rely on those travellers.”
Until that hesitancy abates, vaccines have a chance to work, and things return to a more normal way of life, Clovechok says there are some things locals can do to help out the tourism sector.
“If you’re going to go to the Saskatoon Ex, book a hotel right next door and stay with your family. If you’re going to go down to Rock the River this summer, make sure you’re staying at a hotel for at least one or two nights … Those actions are so meaningful here at home from our own community members.”
Businesses that hold meetings or seminars can also book local hotels, restaurants or event venues as another way to help out the tourism sector.
Galloway is hopeful all of the events in the Queen City will also give people a chance to rediscover their home territory.
“I think it’s going to be gradual, but the more people can go out and support local, the better our tourism industry is going to emerge from all of this,” she added.