Quality of service makes a big difference when tourists decide where to travel each year - with this in mind, the "Phantom Tourist" will be making rounds to city businesses from June 4-10 during Tourism Week in Weyburn.

The phantom customer will visit retail outlets to check out the delivery of service basics such as whether the clerk was friendly and knowledgeable and whether the premises was clean and well-organized. After visiting each place of business, the phantom will fill out a questionnaire assessing the basics. A card will be left at the business and the owner may get a copy of the questionnaire if so desired.

"It's to make people aware of the fact that we do have tourist things to do here," said Donna Hastings of the City of Weyburn. "Places such as the Heritage Village will be in full swing by then and places such as the museum are here all of the time."

Two awards will be presented again this year, with the Customer Friendly Service Award going to a stellar individual employee and the Customer Friendly Business Award going to the overall business that displays best tourism awareness and service skills. Last year's winners were Jim Neuberger of Peavey Mart and Weimer's Electronics. Zippy Mart was awarded the first-ever honourable mention.

Hastings says that advance delivery of flowers and new planters should ensure that all planters are out for public appreciation during Tourism Week.