Saskatoon / 650 CKOM
Feb 2, 2021 11:01 AM
Hotels in Saskatoon that were once a hub for business activity, parties and conferences are now virtually empty as the COVID-19 pandemic keeps customers away.
Tourism Saskatoon CEO Stephanie Clovechok laid out the grim reality facing hotels, restaurants and attractions with Gormley guest host Mike Couros.
Clovechok said there are downtown hotels in Saskatoon operating with four per cent occupancy, while many restaurants are struggling to break even due to public health orders that limit seating capacity.
“The times are very, very dire for our hospitality sector,” said Clovechok.
“In the next couple months there is about 60 per cent of our partners who could be permanently closing their doors and I have not met one single person who looks forward to seeing businesses boarded up in our communities.”