Released on August 15, 2007
The Government of Saskatchewan announced today that the first ever Premier's Summit on Tourism will be held in Regina on September 24th and 25th. Recognizing the importance of the tourism industry to Saskatchewan's economic and social well-being, Premier Lorne Calvert will bring together a diverse range of industry and government stakeholders to discuss key opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
"The Summit will generate innovative and thought-provoking discussions that will advance the province's economy and image," Calvert said. "The tourism industry contributes to the growth and development of our province's reputation as having a creative and progressive business economy, while offering a healthy, safe and vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike."
More than 55,000 Saskatchewan citizens are directly or indirectly employed in the tourism industry, which contributes $1.56 billion annually to the provincial economy. With more than 4,300 attractions, events and operators, tourism engages residents, businesses and communities in all four corners of the province.
"Tourism Saskatchewan acknowledges the foresight and leadership behind the decision to host a Summit on Tourism," President and CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan Lynda Haverstock said. "We welcome the chance to join with government officials, industry leaders and tourism partners to discuss this exciting and too often under-appreciated industry. This undertaking is unprecedented, very timely, and visionary given the present upsurge in the province's population, its economy, and the intense interest expressed by those who live beyond our borders in what Saskatchewan has to offer."
The Premier's Summit on Tourism will generate increased awareness and dialogue about this important sector. The resulting strategic direction will provide a vision for the future of the industry.
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For more information, contact:
Shawna Kelly
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0963
Email: shawna.kelly@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-539-0379