Tourism Moose Jaw experienced a summer filled with both challenges and successes, according to Executive Director Jacki L’Heureux Mason.
While it wasn’t a record-breaking season, several factors contributed to the overall performance.
One of the more significant challenges was the delay in receiving a new air conditioning unit for the new trolley. This forced Tourism Moose Jaw to rely on the old trolley, which couldn’t operate on particularly hot days.
“We were just thrilled the old girl got us through one more summer. We weren’t expecting to do that and so we were very fortunate to do that while we were getting the work done on the other one,” L’Heureux Mason shared.
Even with the setback, visitors still enjoyed the trolley rides, and the new trolley will be ready to go next summer with fully operational air conditioning.
However, over the summer L’Heureux Mason said there was a noticeable decrease in local traffic from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“Which, I suppose, makes sense after a few years of traveling close to your backyard after the pandemic,” L’Heureux Mason noted.
On a positive note, Tourism Moose Jaw saw an increase in visitor from the United States and overseas, particularly visitors from Germany.
“It was so awesome to hear accents again to be honest. I can’t tell you how much we missed that,” L’Heureux Mason said.
Overall, the visitors centre saw 85 to 90 per cent of last year’s numbers with around 25,000 visitors compared to 26,500 the previous year. L’Heureux Mason noted that not all downtown businesses experienced the same trends, with some having exceptionally good years.
L’Heureux Mason praised her summer staff for their positivity and said events like Sidewalks Days were a massive success.
The fall season is shaping up to be one of the busiest ever for Tourism Moose Jaw. The Halloween Haunt Hunt Tours to show off decorated houses has returned with tours on Oct. 23, 24, and 27 to 30.
Due to staffing issues, the Prohibition Days Pub Crawl will be moved to the spring, but their Halloween Pub Crawl on Oct. 25 is already sold out.
“I think it is goin to be similar to th eold Prohibition Days Pub Crawl but it is going to have people in costume and we have some surprises right on the trolley itself. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” L’Heureux Mason said.
Tourism Moose Jaw is also gearing up for Christmas in October this week. They will be offering trolley rides throughout the day to help visitors easily access downtown stores without worrying about paying for parking.