July has been a busy month for tourism in Assiniboia. Canada 150 celebrations filled the streets, and day camps and swimming are keeping dozens of young families active. The town has also played host to a number of events this summer that don’t usually get main stream attention.
The Polka Fest saw the Prince of Wales parking lot filled with RVs and their owners enjoying the dancing as well as the attractions of Assiniboia. Another event was the coast-to-coast classic car tour. Just as the polka dancers were shining up their shoes, over a hundred classic cars with participants from across Canada rolled into town. It was a chance to make a good impression on a wider audience. Assiniboia’s Southern Cruisers car club had already hosted a couple of these car tours this summer. And this past week could be labelled “art week” as the Assiniboia and District Arts Council and the Shurniak Art Gallery organized and hosted events for the art retreat. More RVs filled the parking lot.
Most residents might not have noticed or been affected by all the visitors. But they will soon have to sit up and take note that their town is fast becoming a centre for attractions in the south. Facilities like the Prince of Wales Complex and the Shurniak Art Gallery are fast gaining a reputation for their high quality. Some visitors came to town specifically to see certain happenings like art exhibits. Next month, another first is coming to town, pro wrestling, which will bring more crowds.
All of these events also bring an economic spin-off for the town of Assiniboia as well as contributing to its reputation in the rest of the province and country. The visitors they bring have patronized businesses; they attended events; they wanted to see the local sights. Even I felt like a town veteran, confidently giving directions to local sites.
Some countries in the world like in the Caribbean rely heavily on tourism for their economy. Without tourist dollars, they all would lead much poorer lives. Here in Saskatchewan our resource sector keeps the economy afloat. We are not used to promoting tourism in our province or region and often overlook its benefits. The town also needs to jump on board the latest tourism trends in order to capitalize fully. In fact, some of these trends don’t require the community to do much more than self-promotion.
A tourism study in the UK shows one trend that holidayers these days want to unplug from the world and go on a “digital vacation”. The remote south with its internet black spots appears to be just what they are looking for. Another trend is that travellers are seeking untouched and unique places. Tourists, especially of the Millenial generation, look for one-of-a-kind experiences off the beaten path. Mainstream tourist locations are feeling the hit in terms of economic impact. Again, our south has something to offer with its wide open spaces and distinctive ecosystems from the wetlands of Mossbank to the Grasslands of Wood Mountain to the Badlands of Coronach.
In fact, southern Saskatchewan could even market its sky. Our sense of wonderment at the expansive sunrise and sunset and brilliantly starry night sky may be dulled as we go about our daily lives, but be sure that visitors stand and gawk in amazement. There are many places in the world – even in our own country – where the horizon is marred by mountains or congested living. Some have never viewed the sun on the horizon or experienced a good ol’ prairie thunderstorm, complete with dramatic lightening flashes.
Contemporary tourists are also looking for adventure. Who knows? Joining a Saskatchewan farmer during combining season might just be the next hottest tourist trend for stressed out office workers in Toronto. Tourists are good for local economies. They do their spending at local businesses supporting local workers and artisans. With locals doing more and more of their spending online and in nearby cities, it will be up to visitors to keep local communities thriving.
However, tourists will never find out about these adventures unless small communities begin to promote themselves. Getting the word out is a key first step. We extol the wonders of Mexico or other provinces, but ignore the wonders in our own back yards. On paper, Assiniboia bills itself as the “gateway to the south” — a location to set up camp while exploring the badlands and grasslands and historic sites. But we don’t always follow through by taking pride in what we have.
