Resource Documents
Resource Documents
Explore downloadable documents that provide valuable insights and takeaways for tourism professionals. If you are interested in learning more on a specific topic, visit the Recorded Webinars section of the Business Hub.
Conflict Prevention and De-escaltion in Hospitality
Conflict prevention and de-escalation in hospitality focuses on recognizing early signs of tension, understanding workplace dynamics and setting clear boundaries to maintain a safe and respectful environment.
Getting Started with AI in Tourism
AI tools are now accessible to any small business with an internet connection. For tourism operators managing bookings, communications, and operations with a lean team, they offer a meaningful shift: less time spent on repetitive writing tasks, more time on the work only you can do.
From SEO to GEO How Generative AI is Changing Search
Search is evolving, and the way visitors discover tourism experiences is changing along with it. As generative AI tools become more common in search, traditional search engine optimization (SEO) is expanding into a broader concept often referred to as GEO, or Generative Engine Optimization.
Understanding the Treaties in Saskatchewan and the Role They Play in Tourism
Treaties in Saskatchewan are living agreements between First Nations and the Crown that continue to shape relationships, land use and cultural understanding today.
Best Practices Innovative Ideas for Labour Shortage
Tourism and hospitality are highly people dependent industries, and many Saskatchewan employers are facing reduced applicant pools, higher turnover, seasonal gaps, and increased team burnout.
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Mastering the Pivot Key Considerations for Shifting Your Tourism Event Strategy
In today’s dynamic tourism environment, unexpected changes and challenges are inevitable. The ability to pivot strategically is essential for protecting revenue, maintaining audience trust and delivering memorable experiences.
How to Set Up Targeted Ads on Facebook and Instagram
Travellers have fundamentally changed how they find and choose their destinations. Most research and booking decisions now happen online, driven by interactions on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
From Feedback to Innovation Using Frontline Insights to Improve Experiences
In tourism, experience is everything. And no one understands that experience better than the people closest to the guests. Yet frontline insights are often the most underused source of improvement and innovation.
Crime Prevention in Tourism
Practical crime prevention in tourism and hospitality focuses on reducing risks through proactive security measures, clear staff procedures and strong situational awareness to help protect people and property.
Human Trafficking in the Tourism Industry
Human Trafficking is a complex issue that affects people from all walks of life around the world regardless of their migration or citizenship status. Human Trafficking is the exploitation of a person using force, fraud or coercion for control to engage in commercial sex for profit against their will.
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BOOST and the Coach Approach Leading Effective Feedback Conversations that Drive Performance
Strong leadership in tourism begins with clear communication, meaningful feedback, and a commitment to employee growth. Below are tips and tools to help you lead effective performance conversations and build more engaged, high performing teams.
By Marielle Gauthier (Redworks Communications and Coaching)
Using Social Media to Tell Stories That Connect with Travellers
Great businesses often struggle to communicate
what makes them special. They don’t need
fluff. They need clarity. And that’s exactly what
StoryBrand offers. I chose to build this guide
around the StoryBrand method because I’ve seen
firsthand how it helps small-town operators and
experience-based businesses tell their stories
more effectively, without needing a full-time
marketing team.
By Kellsey Popowich (Growth Media Strategy Ltd.)
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Using Canva Like a Pro Creating Visuals That Sell
Visuals are the first thing people notice about
your brand. Good design isn’t just about looking
pretty, it’s about grabbing attention, telling your
story and moving people to take action. You don’t
need to be a designer to create great marketing
visuals.
By Raj Mahil (306 Technologies Ltd.)
Recognizing Great Work Ideas to Boost Morale and Retain Staff
Creating a workplace culture where employees feel truly valued starts with simple, everyday behaviours. Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, small actions can make a big impact.
By Donna Deiana & Karissa Peterson (Haus of Ops)
One Platform Six Tools Quick-Start Instagram Guide
Instagram is more than a place to post photos.
It is a set of six powerful tools that help you
get noticed, connect with your audience and
understand what drives results. By using feed
posts, stories, reels, lives, guides and insights
with intention, you can create content that
looks professional, builds trust and supports
real growth for your tourism business.
By Tannis Miller (Tannis Miller Creative Studios)
Leveraging Websites and Social Media for Your Tourism Business
A strong online presence is essential for
attracting visitors, inspiring trip planning, and
driving bookings in today’s tourism landscape.
By combining a clear digital strategy with an
effective website and targeted social media
activity, tourism businesses can reach the right
audiences at the right moments in their travel
journey.
By Rachael Kenny (Kenny Lamothe Strategy & Design)
How to Transform Your Tourism Business for the Modern Market
The tourism market has changed dramatically
and today’s travelers expect digital convenience,
meaningful experiences, and values-driven
choices. This resource explores what modern
travellers want, how digital tools and AI influence
decisions, and what Saskatchewan businesses
can do to adapt quickly and sustainably.
By Katrina German (Ethical Digital)
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How to Plan and Run a Social Media Campaign That Works
You need proven strategies to transform your
social media efforts into tangible results. Learn
how to guide your followers through every stage
of the customer journey with actionable tactics
to maximize engagement, website traffic, and
conversions.
By Harley Rivet (Deep Dish Digital)
How to Create a Content Calendar to Save Time
Building a content calendar is essential for creating
consistency and maximizing the value of your
tourism marketing efforts. This document outlines practical steps to develop a content calendar that not only saves time but also ensures clarity and long-term success.
By Tyler Babiy (T Squared Social)
Getting Started with AI for Social Media: A Simple Guide to Using AI Successfully
Promoting a special event, new service, or
important cause through social media requires
more than a few random posts. A social media
campaign requires a specific purpose that is
targeted, optimized, and measurable. Whether
you’re posting organically or using paid ads, use
this framework to maximize the effectiveness of
your social media campaign efforts.
By Ashley Drummond (WOW Factor Media)
Getting Started with Instagram
Visuals are the first thing people notice about
your brand. Good design isn’t just about looking
pretty, it’s about grabbing attention, telling your
story, and moving people to take action. You don’t
need to be a designer to create great marketing
visuals.
By Tannis Miller (Tannis Miller Creative Studios)
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Attracting and Retaining Talent
The employment landscape is evolving, making recruitment an increasing challenge for the tourism and hospitality sector. Attracting and retaining talent can no longer follow traditional methods. Instead, tourism businesses must recognize the key factors that drive employee retention and contribute to long-term industry success.
By Laurie Ballantyne, Founder, CoHR Solutions
A Guide to Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Over 63% of people use search engines to learn more about products and services they consider buying. Less than 1% of those people check past the first page. So if your business isn't found on the first page, you are missing out on a huge number of potential customers.
By Dylan Borstmayer, Marketing Consultant, Stealth Media
Out of the Box Recruitment
A fresh perspective on recruitment within the tourism and hospitality sector is pivotal. The focus of employers is to harness innovative strategies to attract and retain top talent in a challenging and competitive market.
By Hughes Recruitment & Strategy Collective
Identifying Your Target Customers and Why It Matters
Understanding and identifying target customer sis essential for effective marketing, as it ensures that messaging and tourism experiences align with the right audience.
By Jeanette Lye, Director of Planning and Research, Tourism Saskatchewan
Mastering Customer Interactions: De-Escalating and Problem Solving for Tourism Professionals
In the fast-paced world of tourism, managing difficult customers is an inevitable part of delivering exceptional service. Today's travelers have high expectations, and when those aren't met, dissatisfaction can quickly escalate.
By Rachel Glover, Director of Diversity & Inclusion Programming, STEM Consulting Inc.
‘Shoot to Thrill’ - Getting the Most Out of Your Photography
In the digital world, it is critical for brands to create photos that pack a punch and engage your audience: technically sound photos that command attention, stand to, tell a story, target your desired market are rolled out strategically.
By Chris Sikorsky, Owner and Creative Director, Sikpics Productions
Social Media Algorithms 101: What You Really Need to Know to Maximize Your Social Media Presence
Creating algorithm-friendly content helps businesses engage their target audience, boosting reach, followers, product awareness, and bottom-line growth.
By Ashley Drummond, CEO, WOW Factor Media
Accelerate Your Business Growth in 2025 with Cutting-Edge Social Media Trends
Discover how short video formats, augmented and virtual reality, and AI innovations can transform your marketing strategy. Learna bout the impact of micro-influencers, advancements in e-commerce, and the power of user-generated content in community building.
By Sarah March, Founder, Grey Dove Design House
Successful Employee Onboarding
Onboarding is a critical process that shapes an employee's first impression, engagement, and long-term success within an organization. This resource explores the distinctions between onboarding and orientation, key onboarding best practices, and practical strategies for fostering a strong company culture to retain and empower employees.
By Tracy Arno, CEO, Essence Recruitment
Five Steps to Building a Cohesive Team
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, seamless teamwork is the key to delivering outstanding guest experiences. Whether in hotels, restaurants, or other service industries, a well-coordinated team ensures that operations run smoothly, communication flows effortlessly, and challenges are tackled efficiently.
By Stephen Eger, Managing Partner, Knibbs HR Consulting
Coaching 101: Motivate Your Team Through Coaching
The modern leader's role is no longer about solving problems or giving instructions- it's about unlocking potential. Coaching builds trust, develops capabilities, and fosters a culture of accountability and growth.
By Marielle Gaulthier, Founder, Redworks Communications and Coaching
The Power of Storytelling in Tourism
Storytelling is a powerful tool that helps businesses stand out in the tourism industry. It creates intangible value, increases visitor loyalty, and builds cultural connections. Visitors who share their experiences with others act as organic word-of-mouth marketers, further amplifying a destination’s appeal.
By Sam Cowan, Tourism & Event Coordinator, Meewasin Valley Authority
Navigating Change and Embracing Resilience
Change can be exhilarating and energizing, at times. We may embrace it with enthusiasm, ready to jump in and contribute. Other times, however, we resist change and feel negative or fearful. There is a very real relationship between how we ‘ride’ the rollercoaster of change and how strong our resilience is.
By Jenn Minor Johannson, Founder, JMJ Coaching
Selling Your Business Today: The Business Succession Advantage
One of the biggest misconceptions among business owners is that the most challenging barrier to selling a business is finding a buyer. In reality, the true challenge is being fully prepared to engage with potential buyers.
By Alison Anderson, CEO, SuccessionMatching
Essential Communications Skills for Client Retention and Growth
In today’s competitive market, retaining clients and fostering growth are essential to sustaining and expanding any business. Powerful communication strategies and practical tools can elevate client relationships and ensure that clients remain engaged, satisfied, and loyal over the long term.
By Blaine Arnold, President of Sandler by Pinnacle
Maximize Your Online Presence: Google Business Profiles
Google is the largest driver of traffic to websites by a huge proportion. People spend more time on social media but they turn to Google when looking for products and services.
By Harley Rivet, President, Deep Dish Digital
Hiring Right : Key Factors for Vetting Applications
Hiring the right people is one of the most critical factors in building a strong and successful team. But how do you ensure you’re attracting and selecting the best talent for your business?
By Hughes Recruitment & Strategy Collective
How to Cross Post on Social Media and Save Time
Social media is a powerful tool that connects us with audiences like never before, offering businesses and individuals alike the chance to share, engage, and grow.
By Jeph Maystruck, CEO, StratLab
The Growing Popularity of Experiential Travel
Experiential travel is gaining momentum as today’s travelers seek more than just sightseeing, they’re looking for deeper connections, hands-on activities, and meaningful encounters with people and places.
By Eva Gutsche, Founder, STEM Consulting
The Power of Connecting with Local Community Partners
Strong local partnerships are the backbone of vibrant, sustainable tourism. When tourism operators collaborate with nearby businesses, cultural groups, and organizations, they create richer, more authentic experiences for visitors while supporting the local economy.
By Eva Gutsche, Founder, STEM Consulting
Turning Social Media Likes into Customers
You need proven strategies to transform your social media efforts into tangible results. Learn how to guide your followers through every stage of the customer journey with actionable tactics to maximize engagement, website traffic, and conversions.
By Harley Rivet, President, Deep Dish Digital
Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Great Volunteers
This resource document is based on insights shared by Bernadette McIntyre during Tourism Saskatchewan’s webinar held on March 20, 2025, titled “Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Great Volunteers.”
By Her Honour Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre
Is Your Website Working For You ?
This resource document is based on insights shared by Bernadette McIntyre during Tourism Saskatchewan’s webinar held on March 20, 2025, titled “Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Great Volunteers.”
By Clare Tries, CEO & Creative Strategist at Clash Creative
Understanding and Engaging Gen Z in the Workplace: Insights from a Panel Discussion
Generation Z -this term describes those born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010. Gen Z are reshaping the workforce with fresh expectations and values. For industries like tourism and hospitality, understanding what motivates this generation is essential for attracting, retaining, and engaging young talent.
By Hanif Hemani, President, Hemani Management Group Inc.
Buzz, Woody, and AI: A Storytelling Adventure
This document explores the evolving landscape of storytelling in the age of artificial intelligence. Drawing parallels to iconic characters like Buzz and Woody from Toy Story, it delves into how AI is reshaping the way we communicate, create, and connect.
By Jeph Maystruck, CEO, Stratlab
Crafting Memorable Guest Experiences : The Soft Skills You Need
In today’s competitive tourism and hospitality industry, delivering exceptional customer service is what truly sets businesses apart. You could be the most knowledgeable tour guide, serve the most delicious meal, or offer a one-of-a-kind experience, but if a guest’s overall experience is negative, the quality of the product or service won’t matter. One bad interaction can result in a lost customer, a negative review, and missed opportunities for referrals.
By Rachel Glover, Director of Diversity & Inclusion Programming, STEM Consulting Inc.
Driving Loyalty Through Customer Experience
This document provides a high-level guide on how to enhance customer loyalty via two methods: customer experience and loyalty programs. Readers will learn about the importance of understanding
customer loyalty and the different stages of the customer lifecycle, from awareness to advocacy.
By Sam Kliman & Sienna Huck
Work-Life Balance in Hospitality : Simple Strategies for Success
Work-life balance is crucial in maintaining both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. It involves managing time, energy, and boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring that neither is sacrificed for the other.
By Shikara Dyck, Senior Safety Advisor, Service Hospitality