A spokesperson with Tourism Saskatoon expects it’s going to be a few years before the industry completely bounces back from the shut down of the economy during the pandemic.
Sarah Berger says people talk about economic recovery, and that has begun, but really it begins with re-starting the industry now that the safety protocols have been lifted.
She hasn’t heard from businesses if there are concerns about whether to continue with masking or not.
Berger suggests the pandemic seemed to bring more emphasis about supporting local and she hopes that continues.
One industry that was hit hard was hotels.
Berger explains that summer is usually a slower time for hotels in Saskatoon, so that’s why they are promoting staycations.
Saskatoon Tourism staff would normally be working year ’round to entice event planners to bring their business to the city, for conventions and other events.
There was a short lull during the pandemic, but Berger stresses that they are back at it, ready to show people what the city has to offer, and bring in those tourism dollars.