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Applying for the Achieving AWEsome program

Tourism Saskatchewan is committed to fostering the development of distinctly unique tourism experiences.

The Achieving AWEsome program combines training and consultation supports together as one complete experience development program. The cost of the program is free for successful applicants.

Individuals who are new to tourism, as well as business operators who have no previous experience in developing or delivering a tourism experience to the travelling public are eligible to apply. Applicants must be willing to invest time and resources to create an interactive, hands-on guest experience.

Application

• The program is application-based.

Timelines

• The program is designed to move participants along in a scheduled format. Steps One to Seven will be completed within four months of the program starting date. After Step Seven, timelines will vary depending on the experience in development, time of year or season the experience will be offered, and readiness of the applicant to complete all steps.

Program Financial Investment

• The cost of training supports is sponsored for successful applicants.
• Approved participants are fully and solely responsible for any and all costs associated with developing and piloting (testing) the experience and must confirm they have the financial resources to do so.

Required Connectivity

• Approved participants must have a computer and internet access adequate for attending online meetings and completing the training throughout the program duration.

This program may be right for you if:

• You have expertise, stories, skills or traditions others would find interesting.
• You are looking for new ways to generate revenue.
• You want visitors to experience your farm, studio, ranch, workshop, culture, property, or community differently.
• You have an idea but don't know where to start.

This program may not be right for you if:

• You are unwilling to host visitors.
• You cannot commit time toward developing an experience.
• You are looking only for funding and not training or business development support.

 

Saskatchewan operators who started where you are - watch our success stories

Freba Pottery, Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures, Shekinah Retreat Centre and others talk about their experiences with the Achieving AWEsome program.

 

 

Some of the experiences we helped create

Explore some of the experiences on offer from graduates of the Achieving AWEsome program.

• Grant Schiller Knife making experience - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCjbtLYHGrA
• Beaver City Tours - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ps8vr4T12I&t=14s
• Tiger Lily Alpaca Ranch Alpaca Walkz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQlmZD72K54
• Freba Pottery Elemental Claycation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKHXfVJvRm4
• Living Sky Lodge Grounded Wellness Retreat - https://www.thelostgirlsguide.com/saskatchewan-2/living-skies-lodge-wellness-retreat-saskatchewan 

Time Commitment at a Glance

Most participants complete the core development portion within approximately four months.

• Twenty hours of online instruction and learning
• Three 3-hour evening peer-to-peer group virtual calls
• Five hours of virtual one-on-one specialized coaching
• One in-person group experience exposure - time depends on the location and length of the experience chosen
• Piloting and content capture timing and time commitment - depends on the experience
• At least one site visit for tailored feedback
• Continuous aftercare as required
  
  

By the end of the program, you could have:

• A clearly defined tourism experience
• A stronger understanding of your target market
• A pricing approach
• Pilot testing and feedback
• Professional imagery and video support
• Increased confidence launching your experience
  
   

Download the Achieving AWEsome infographic

 

You Don't Need Tourism Experience to Start.

You've Got the Expertise. We Can Help You Build the Experience.

If you've ever thought:

"People tell me I should charge for this."
"Visitors are interested in what I do."
"I'd like another revenue stream."
"I want to share my knowledge in a meaningful way."

Then Achieving AWEsome can help.

Applications are currently being accepted.

Apply Now

Further Resources

Check out these microcourses and studies to find out more about the Achieving AWEsome program:

Achieving AWEsome: Freba Pottery's Alumni Journey 

Case Study: Back2Nature Wellness

What is the difference between an experience and an attraction? Nancy Arsenault, Managing Partner at Tourism Cafe, discusses the differences in this short video: Fireside Chat - Raising the Bar on Visitor Value