Sask Party Would Double Tourism Budget, If Elected
On September 24, 2007, Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall promised to double the province's current $8 million tourism budget, providing an extra $32 million over the next four years to support this vital sector.
"The tourism sector generates over $1.5 billion annually," Wall said. "This sector is responsible for 21,000 direct and 60,000 indirect tourism-related jobs, and is an important sector where so much more could be done."
Wall said the additional dollars would be used for a variety of initiatives including:
- Capital investment in ecological, paleontological, museum and heritage facilities;
- Enhanced and consistent highway signage promoting tourism attractions in Saskatchewan;
- Additional marketing activities;
- Strategic partnerships with regional and municipal tourism organizations;
- Increased northern and eco-tourism;
- Support for First Nations tourism initiatives;
- Working with the federal government to facilitate development of ecological and heritage attractions; and,
- Support for event hosting.
"My own direct business experience in Saskatchewan's tourism sector highlighted for me just how much potential there is for development of this industry," Wall said.
"We need a government that is prepared to promote tourism and recognize this industry as the economic engine it can be."
Background Information
For a copy of the Saskatchewan Party Tourism Plan, click here.
For more information, Saskatchewan Party, Regina, 359-1638