Tourism week in Saskatchewan is normally time for a celebration of the creative ways people can be brought to the community.

But during the COVID-19 pandemic, things are definitely not seeming normal in the industry. Well-known destinations in the area, including the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, Mosaic Place, Casino Moose Jaw and various festivals, have been restricted, shutdown or postponed for 2020.

“Many of our businesses that are draws to outside communities are still not open and don’t have a date to be open,” said Tourism Moose Jaw’s Jackie L'Heureux Mason. “Anything recreational or entertainment based, they’re a huge draw for us and they’re not allowed to open. Once we see how the restaurants do, once they get opened…  we can maybe see what kind of saving grace that gives us for the summer.”

Layoffs have hit many in the industry due to closures. Things might be allowed to start opening up this summer. Until they do, the local tourism industry remains in a holding pattern.

“It’s really hard,” L'Heureux Mason said. “I’d like to look at this as a real challenge. It’s going to be hard telling people from other provinces to be coming to Moose Jaw right away. There are no bans right now, but they’re asking people to respect provincial borders right now.”

Province-wide, the tourism industry generated over $2 billion in economic spinoff, and according to numbers from the organization, tourism brings about $90 million of economic activity annually to Moose Jaw.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to proclaim Saskatchewan Tourism Week and acknowledge the people and experiences that make our province an inviting destination,” Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Gene Makowsky said in a media release this week.  “As we move through the phases of re-opening the province, I encourage residents to support local tourism businesses while continuing safe social distancing.”