Tourism is one of the major drivers to the Saskatchewan economy.

Before the pandemic, Tourism Saskatchewan reported a record 2019 with over $2 billion dollars in total expenditures.   Those numbers dropped by half because of COVID-19 last summer.

With the unofficial start to the summer tourism season starting on Friday as the long weekend hits, Tourism Saskatchewan officials are hoping that many will be checking out all of the various opportunities that are available with predictions of getting to 75 or 80 percent of normal numbers.

Spokesperson Jonathan Potts believes that with the current optimism being shown on the pandemic front that it will be a good summer with cash registers ringing across Saskatchewan.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel which is something I think the industry and public sees that. “Potts said. “If people continue to get vaccinated and things continue going in Saskatchewan’s favour, we could see a fairly normal summer this year.”

Many are making the trek to a provincial campground this weekend which doesn’t surprise Potts as he says parks are a great point for people to get away from everything and enjoy their families and nature whether it be for a weekend or just a day.   He says parks are one component, but there are so many other things to enjoy.

“Some of the activities you can do anywhere in the province like golfing, cycling, kayaking.” Potts said. “People have developed new habits and new hobbies like photography, visiting a cultural or historic site and so many other things. People are really finding out what they love about Saskatchewan all over again.”