Report says Remai Modern is attracting tourists, providing jobs and bolstering the economy

Since its inception, Remai Modern has had a significant impact on the local economy.  That from Remai Communications Manager Stephanie McKay, as she ran through statistics from a recent report conducted on the art gallery and museum.

In addition to generating over $100.6 million total economic output, the museum also created 578 full-time equivalent jobs and contributed $55.34 million to the GDP.  Attendance levels in 2023 were doubled those recorded in 2022, and McKay says that spike in attendance can be traced to a change in admission policy.

“Two-hundred-and-thirteen-thousand visitors came to Remai Modern in 2023. I think there’s a very strong reason that was the case. In 2022, we moved to an admission-by-donation-model.”

She adds that not only did the museum prosper, but so did surrounding businesses.

“Having a destination like the Remai Modern down here has bolstered other local businesses. It creates a destination for people to come to. They can come, see the museum, go to local restaurants and businesses.”

The report states there were over 22,300 hotel stays recorded by visitors of the gallery, and in 2023, restaurant visitors in the area increased by 150 per cent.  McLay says the team at Remai is always trying to engage more audiences and boost visitor numbers. An example of this is the new ‘Hearth’ restaurant which made the museum its home last year.

Meanwhile, on Monday a news release was issued by Tourism Saskatchewan where CEO Jonathan Potts says tourism in the province is on an upswing.

He points to the latest figures from Statistics Canada which show travel spending reached almost $2.85 billion in 2023, outpacing the $2.4 billion in spending that was generated in 2022. Hotel occupancy rates and revenue for 2023 showed significant growth year over year as well.

Tourism Saskatchewan indicates that in addition to domestic travel, visitation from the United States has increased, with 2023 figures showing a 54 per cent increase in U.S. travelers by car. With the re-introduction of an air route between Minneapolis and Saskatoon, air arrivals increased by 46 per cent in 2023. In addition, fishing and hunting license sales rose by 26 per cent over 2022.