How will the high Canadian dollar affect this year's tourist season? A time when many local business pull in most of their profits.

 

The high Canadian dollar is going to affect the local economy this summer.

With Moose Jaw and Saskatchewan taking in a good deal of money from summer tourists every year, some are worried that profits are going to be down significantly.

Tourism Saskatchewan Director of Marketing Candace Phelps admits the situation isn't the best. "It's not helping us. It makes out prices less appealing to many of our US visitors, however it’s one piece of a larger basket of issues. With the passports, the rising gas prices, and the US economy it’s one more thing that making their decision to come here more difficult."

While US tourist numbers are expected to be down this year to Saskatchewan, visitor numbers from overseas and from other parts of Canada are expected to increase.

The fight for tourist dollars is on now that summer time is just a few weeks away.

A big piece of the battle is how much money families have to spend and with the loonie nearly equal to the American greenback, Saskatchewan travelers are looking to places like North Dakota.

Something Media Relations Director for North Dakota Tourism Kim Schmidt is pleased to see. "With the Canadian dollar where it’s at I just think that will enhance everyone's idea about bringing their trips and their families to the State of North Dakota. We understand that Canadian travelers are now just getting into planning their trips for the summer so we're hoping to capitalize on some of that."

In fact a media blitz in Saskatchewan has been planned for the end of the month by North Dakota to try and entice more travelers from our province.