The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to host a tourism workshop in Weyburn, and is encouraging members to take part in a political forum in Regina through the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

The tourism workshop is being set up through the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council, and will be held Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20-21 at the Travelodge Hotel in Weyburn.

The workshop will run from 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 20, and 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 21. The theme of the workshop is "Tourism and the Community: Championing the Potential."

The workshop looks into members of the community who want to know more about the tourism industry and how it can be developed at the community level; individuals who want a better understanding of tourism planning processes; and individuals who want to learn the steps that can be taken to take advantage of economic opportunities offered by tourism.

Topics include how communities benefit from tourism, the value of tourism, how the industry is structured, how the province markets itself, and what resources and assistance are available to the community.

Planning and marketing for tourism, tourism feasibility assessments, providing leadership in community tourism and making a difference in one's community are additional topics that will be looked at in the course of the workshop.

There is no cost to take part in the workshop, and those interested can contact Cindy Bell at the Weyburn Chamber office, or Carol Lumb at Sask. Tourism.

The political forum is set for Wednesday, Jan. 18 at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre in Regina, as business people from around the province will meet with members of the Legislature, both with the Opposition and with the ruling NDP members. The forum begins with a dialogue with the Opposition at 2:30 p.m., a reception and dinner at 5:30 and further dialogue with government representatives at 7 p.m.

The topics for the forum include a frank dialogue on provincial regulatory climate, growing the economy and other issues. Registrations is $80.25 per person, and should be done through the provincial Chamber office in Regina.