The Saskatchewan tourism industry is thriving, according to the latest figures released by Statistics Canada. Travel spending in the province surged to almost $2.85 billion in 2023, surpassing the $2.4 billion recorded in 2022. Hotel occupancy rates and revenue also showed substantial growth compared to the previous year.
According to Jonathan Potts, CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan, the province’s diverse outdoor experiences, particularly in its national, provincial, and regional parks, have been key attractions. In recent years, hunting and fishing have also gained popularity. Additionally, the resumption of festivals and events has contributed to the tourism uptick.
With over 3000 tourism businesses operating in the province, the industry generates $2.85 billion annually. Saskatchewan’s domestic travel growth surpassed all other provinces in Canada last year, with an impressive 21% increase in overnight visitation.
Jeremy Harrison, Minister responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan, highlighted the province’s ambitious goal of achieving a 50% increase in annual tourism expenditures by 2030, as outlined in the Saskatchewan Growth Plan. The latest figures indicate that the tourism industry is well on track to meeting this target.
The hospitality industry in Saskatchewan is also experiencing an upturn. Jim Bence, President and CEO of Hospitality Saskatchewan, reported a rise in hotel occupancy and rates. This positive trend is helping to offset the losses incurred during the pandemic.
The Conference Board of Canada predicts continued growth in tourism revenues, estimating that Saskatchewan will reach approximately $3.57 billion in annual visitor expenditures by 2028.
