The Town of Watrous and Resort Village of Manitou Beach have long been one of the top destinations for rural Saskatchewan residents to enjoy a getaway.

That effort to promote and bring in tourists to the area was once again highlighted by the province, as the Watrous Manitou Marketing Group was a finalist for a Tourism Saskatchewan award.

The group was up for the Tourism Ambassador award, as Community Developer Brendan Manz described.

"Any business or individual who commits their work to promoting not only their own destination, but to tourism in the province as a whole," said Manz. "The goal of the Watrous Manitou Marketing Group is to not only promote tourism to Watrous and Manitou, but to the general area."

Although they have yet to win an award, it is the second time in three years that Watrous Manitou has been a finalist.

Getting word out to potential visitors is an important strategy for the area, and Manz says that is why they like to showcase the region at shows in cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Regina.

"We know that is where a lot of our visitors come from, so it is important for us to spend some time in those markets, not only with general advertising, but when you get an opportunity to visit some trade shows and talk to your potential market and talk about the great things we have to offer."

"On the other side too, as a marketer, I get to hear about those people who have come to our community and the great stories they have."

Manz noted that they also hear from other regions in the province about the work they are doing in the Watrous-Manitou area.

"A lot of other communities in the province are a little bit envious of some of the work we have managed to do here," he explained. "It goes back to being very lucky to have something unique here and people want to check it out."

Manz continued, stating that they are working hard to change a long-standing narrative.

"People kind of say it's the best kept secret in Saskatchewan, and I kind of laugh because were looking to change that," he said. "I don't want it to be the best kept secret anymore, I want people to know about it."

One of the next big events that will bring plenty of people back to the area is Canada Day weekend, when a celebration of the country's 150th birthday will go along with a homecoming.

You can hear more from Manz below.