Aboriginal Tourism On Verge Of Boom

Aboriginal Tourism On Verge Of Boom

Wednesday, June 01, 2005 at 16:01

 

 

It’s Tourism Week in Saskatchewan.

 

Tourism Saskatchewan CEO Roy Anderson has been actively involved in the development of Aboriginal and cultural tourism in the province.

 

Anderson says a survey taken in Europe recently indicated that over half of the Europeans wishing to take a vacation in Canada said Aboriginal tourism was a motivating factor as to where they planned to visit.

 

In fact, Aboriginal tourism is expected to net $2 billion nationwide by 2009 — it was pegged at $270 million in 1999.

 

Anderson says museums and interpretive centres have their place in attracting tourists, but he says foreign visitors really want an intensive experience such as going on a trapline.

 

Anderson says Metis-themed tourism is still a relatively untapped resource that has a lot of potential.

 

Anderson’s group signed a protocol agreement with the FSIN about a year-and-a-half ago regarding tourism development — a deal he says will ensure projects aren’t launched without the appropriate cultural sensitivity.

 

Anderson also says Tourism Saskatchewan has a northern initiative underway aimed at diversifying tourism opportunities in the North.