Saskatchewan’s tourism sector saw major increases in 2023

Tourism in Saskatchewan was up in 2023, with overnight visits to the province and travel spending both increasing significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Government of Saskatchewan, recent data from Statistics Canada show that domestic overnight visits to the province went up by 21 per cent in 2023, which represents the biggest jump any Canadian province saw last year.

Last year also saw a 54 per cent jump in the number of American visitors making trips to Saskatchewan by car, and air arrivals jumped by 46 per cent over 2022’s figures.

The numbers also show travel spending in Saskatchewan jumped to $2.85 billion last year, up from $2.4B in 2022. According to the government, hotel occupancy and revenue also increased significantly in 2023. Sales of hunting and fishing licences also jumped by 26 per cent last year.

The significant increases in 2023’s tourism numbers are likely connected to Canada’s COVID-19 entry restrictions, which were lifted in October of 2022, and the generally poor economic conditions prevalent during the pandemic.

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Jonathan Potts, CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan, said the sector was “heavily affected” by the economic downturn that began in 2020, but the latest numbers represent a positive sign for the years ahead.

“The latest figures released by Statistics Canada, along with other positive indicators, demonstrate that tourism in our province is on the upswing,” Potts said in a statement.

“It is gratifying to see that people are embracing Saskatchewan as an enticing destination.”

According to the province, the Conference Board of Canada has predicted that tourism revenues will continue to risk, reaching around $3.57B by 2028.

Potts said Tourism Saskatchewan’s goal is even higher, and the organization is focused on reaching the provincial government’s growth plan goal of $3.6 billion in annual tourism spending by 2030.

“The efforts of our industry partners, with support from sound research and innovative strategies, will help get us there,” Potts said.