The 2011 tourist season didn't start out so hot for Moose Jaw but the end has been better then anyone at Tourism Moose Jaw could have hoped for.

22,000 people stopped in at the Tourist Information Centre over the summer month with almost a quarter of those coming between July and August. Of course, that doesn't count the thousands of visitors who find their own way around the city, just the people who stop in with a few questions.

The wet start to the year had an affect on the tourist season but the warm end to summer made a difference according to Executive Director Candis Kirkpatrick. She's also pleased with the growth they've witnessed in the industry this year.

"I'm really encouraged with the businesses that have opened and some of the new restaurants that we have. We have a brand new hotel going up to the north of us and that's an excellent location, as far as we're concerned, for tourism."

Normally, the end of September is a time when visitor numbers start to drop but Kirkpatrick says the recent warm weather has been an added bonus for them with people continuing to come each day. Their decision to stay open on weekends has paid off as well with between 100 and 200 people stopping each weekend.