THE OPPORTUNITY
Tourism Saskatchewan wanted to invest in a two-phase program that would encourage operators to deliver new, high quality experiential offers. BC Hughes and the Tourism Company were retained by Tourism Saskatchewan with the goal of creating a series of new innovative experiences that would help position Saskatchewan as a must visit destination. The new experiences would create an emotional connection to Saskatchewan’s landscapes, people and stories.
THE PROCESS
The BC Hughes development team worked with the Tourism Company to research and develop a provincial experience development framework called “Into Left Field – the Process of AWE”.
The team planned and delivered motivational ‘AWEshops’ throughout the province, working with tourism operators, as well as provincial tourism staff. These workshops inspired businesses to roll up their sleeves and dig deep into creating moments of awe for their visitors. Subsequent hands-on operator coaching took place on-site at the tourism business and was aimed at developing new and rejuvenated quality tourism experiences.
THE OUTCOME
The Into Left Field program provided a framework for increasing the quality of tourism offers throughout the province. This business education and group learning process created inspiration surrounding quality, experiential tourism and new personal business opportunities. A multitude of new and improved experiences were developed with the input and guidance of BC Hughes, including the launch of Grotto Gardens Goat Yoga by Grotto Gardens in Maple Creek Saskatchewan and the development of the Han Wi- Moon Dinner at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
The Han Wi-Moon Dinner is a transformative experience for guests. Starting at dusk participants received a guided tour, hear stories dating back 6400 years, warm up next to roaring campfires, roll up their sleeves to practice traditional outdoor cooking methods and savour gourmet forged dinner with a side of astronomy for dessert – all under expansive Saskatchewan skies.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park was the recent winner of the 2019 ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award at the 2019 Canadian Tourism Awards presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
