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Saskatoon’s tourism industry raked in $781 million in visitor spending last year, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
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Stephanie Clovechok, CEO of Discover Saskatoon, said it’s similar in the bridge city, with the visitor economy on an upward trajectory of growth.
In 2024, she said visitor spending in the city increased by 7.1 per cent compared to 2023.
International spending also rose by 18 per cent to $209 million, and domestic spending grew by 3.6 per cent to $577 million.
“That’s really exciting to see that international growth back in the marketplace,” Clovechok said. “What we’re seeing is an inbound increase in travel and inbound increase of spending here in Saskatoon.”
Hotel occupancy rates have also seen around a 3.1 per cent increase year over year.
“In 2023 we saw a lot of pent-up demand from the pandemic being actualized in terms of conferences, sporting events and cultural events,” Clovechok said.
In 2024,she said Saskatoon hosted over 40 conferences and over 36 sporting events, contributing $17 million to the city’s economy.
“Those are really the bread and butter of the Saskatchewan visitor economy,” she said.
A key event in 2024 was the rivalry series in February, where Team Canada and Team USA competed in women’s hockey at SaskTel Centre.
Looking ahead to 2025, Clovechok said the tourism industry is investing heavily in conferences both national and international, as well as sporting events.
This year YXE Urban Games will return, drawing national attendance from 10 different sports.
In June, Saskatoon will host a conference for the Travel Media Association of Canada, bringing national media delegates from coast to coast to the city.
“Folks who are writing for publications like National Geographic are going to be in (Saskatoon) for upwards of five days,” Clovechok said “That’s great exposure for Saskatoon.”
The city will also be hosting the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC), which Clovechok said is an incredible opportunity.
The MLC is a nonpartisan association of all legislators representing 11 U.S. states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin) and Saskatchewan.
“We’re working very closely with our partners at the Ministry of Trade and Economy to welcome upwards of 400 delegates — legislators, senators, decision makers — who are going to be coming here to learn about Saskatchewan sectors of strength,” she said.
Clovechok said Discover Saskatoon is working to draw in new international markets.
“We’re active in five international countries (and) very focussed across the country to drive business events, sporting events and leisure tourism,” she said.
Porter Airlines has run daily flights between Saskatoon and Toronto since May 2024. (Porter Airlines/Submitted)
Air passenger travel also increased in 2024
Air passenger travel at YXE Saskatoon Airport (YXE) took off in 2024 with around 15 per cent growth, an approximate 99 per cent recovery to pre-pandemic levels.
“2024 was a year of growth for YXE,” Stephen Muybury, President and CEO of the Saskatoon Airport Authority in a media release.
“As we look to 2025 we are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.”
In May 2024, Porter Airlines was introduced to Saskatchewan, launching direct service from Saskatoon to Toronto.
According to the release, Air Canada’s seasonal direct service to Montreal and increased WestJet routes with daily summer flights to Minneapolis all contributed to the airport’s success.
In 2025, YXE has plans for escalator replacement and a renovation for the major arrivals hall will get underway.
Plans for the development of a one megawatt solar facility will also continue.
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