A deer munches on some leaves while watching the camera. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Tourism

Hunting, fishing mean good business for Sask. tourism industry

Jul 5, 2023 | 5:14 PM

In the wake of the ending of pandemic restrictions and reduced travel, Saskatchewan’s tourism industry is back in business.

Jonathan Potts with Tourism Saskatchewan said the numbers are good and a lot of American tourists are once again heading to northern Saskatchewan to hunt and fish.

“The industry is doing quite well. We’ve seen very strong numbers across the board and recovered very nicely from some of the challenges we’ve had over the last few years,” he said.

The tourists coming from the United States tend to be fairly well off so they can weather inflation better than people with fewer resources, according to Potts.

“They are starting to travel again. They love coming to Saskatchewan for things like fishing and hunting so we’re seeing those numbers steadily improve as well,” he explained.

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Businesses that rely on visitors like outfitters were especially hit hard by international travel bans during the height of the pandemic.

Potts said that national, provincial and regional parks are all seeing campsites in use this year.

Inflation, interest and global unrest do affect travel but in Saskatchewan, there are enough visitors from close to home that choose a shorter distance to holiday.

“We’ve always had a strong domestic market with Alberta residents, Saskatchewan residents coming to Saskatchewan,” Potts said.

There is a downside, however with inflation eating away at the bottom line of business operators.

People are urged to get out and visit their local parks and tourism hot spots, including those on their doorstep, such as Prince Albert National Park, Waskesiu or Back to Batoche.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com