(Submitted Photo/ Tourism Saskatchewan)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Tourism Spike?

High hopes for northern Saskatchewan tourism sector as restrictions on travellers ease

Mar 17, 2022 | 5:17 PM

Hopes are high tourism may see a spike across northern Saskatchewan as restrictions get eased for travellers.

Incoming tourists will still need to be vaccinated to visit Canada, however, starting on Apr. 1^st they will no longer need to show a negative COVID test.

Ray Lamy, owner of Twin Marine Outfitting in Nipawin, told paNOW some Americans will take advantage, though he believes the majority still won’t be able to.

“I know a lot of people from the States and a lot of them didn’t come because they didn’t want to get vaccinated.”

His business has seen a drop in customers since the start of the pandemic. Between 15 and 20 per cent were American and used to frequently travel to Tobin Lake.

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Lamy said other tourist attractions have had harder times, but just because his drop wasn’t as big doesn’t mean it’s been an easy time.

“When nobody comes at all because they can’t, it’s a huge number.”

To him, the businesses who’ve been hit the hardest are those who offered hunting trips.

It appears this may be true as Lyle Munro, owner of Trapper Creek Outfitters, explained to paNOW the majority of people who pay for his business are American.

Simply put, the last two years have been tough.

“2020 was a complete write-off, 2021 we had a few clients but we’re hoping 2022 will be a whole better year.”

Munro also believes he’ll see a big spike once unvaccinated tourists can come over.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow