The first half of summer — and the tourism season — is nearly done, and according to Tourism Moose Jaw executive director Donna Fritzke, things are looking good for our city’s tourism sector.
Visitor numbers are up across the board, and it’s not just Canadians choosing to make Moose Jaw a part of their journey.
“We have a lot of American friends stopping in,” Fritzke said.
“It’s so interesting to spend some time in the visitor center and just chatting with people and finding out, you know, where they’re coming from and where they’re going.”
She noted that these visitors aren’t always just passing through Moose Jaw for sightseeing or while on their way to other destinations either, many have familial ties to our city.
“What I'm finding really interesting is how many family reunions and birthday parties and people that have lived in Saskatchewan are back to visit,” said Fritzke, adding that they’ve had guests from at least 23 different states stop at the Visitor’s Centre so far.
The strong U.S. dollar also playing its part in drawing in international tourists, be it for shopping, a taste of something decidedly Canadian, or both.
“One lady told me that she was so excited to come to Canada because she loves Tim Horton's coffee,” Fritzke said, adding that guests are saying that the exchange rate is making Canada an attractive destination for U.S. travelers.
“She said everything here is so much less expensive than it is in the States... It’s very good for us.”
The revamped trolley tours are also seeing a significant uptick in popularity, especially from the visitors from the other prairie provinces.
“We’re up 85 per cent (over) last year,” Fritzke reported.
“Fifty per cent of our trolley riders are from Saskatchewan, and then when you add in Alberta and Manitoba, it’s 80 per cent.”
It’s not just our local attractions that have garnered increased attention this season, there has been a flurry of activity at the Visitor’s Centre itself.
“2,500 (people) have stopped in the visitor center so far this month,” Fritzke said.
“That doesn’t even include the amount of people that will stop just to have their picture taken with Mac... the parking lot is full of cars all day long.”
She added that she hopes that the growing number of visitors also encourages Moose Javian's to get out and explore their city as well.
“We need to be a tourist in our own backyard,” Fritzke said.
“A lot of people that we meet have never experienced all the different attractions that we have.”
She added that local businesses and hotels are saying that this has been a ‘phenomenal summer’ and is optimistic the trend will continue.
“It’s been a lot of fun. We’re really proud of the work our team has been doing — it’s going exceptionally well.”
If you’re looking to get out and experience all that Moose Jaw has to offer, visit the Tourism Moose Jaw website to take a look at upcoming events, local attractions and more.