Barb Zerebeski, emerit Sales Manager

I completed the Recreation Technology Diploma program at SIAST, Kelsey Campus and was intrigued by many areas of the industry.

I was encouraged to receive my degree and therefore I spent three years on the East Coast at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

After my first year at university I became very intrigued by the tourism industry.

Between my second and third year I completed my practicum at Wanuskewin Heritage Park and worked as a summer student with the Director of Marketing.

My time there cemented my decision to pursue a career in tourism.

Upon my completion and receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management, with a major in Tourism & Commercial Recreation, I returned to Saskatoon before moving to North Battleford where my tourism career officially started: Tourism Development Officer at Battlefords Tourism in November 1994.

I held other tourism industry positions with the City of Humboldt and Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

I left the industry for a few years, but returned to accept a position with the Royal Hotel Group as their Sales Manager to take care of the hotel properties in Saskatoon and Lloydminster.

Lifelong learning is crucial in any industry and I wanted to continue to further and enhance my knowledge base.

As the Sales Manager I wanted to pursue a certification through the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council. Sales Manager Certification was the most fitting.

The tourism industry has been something I thoroughly enjoyed ever since my time in university.

My professors showed me the endless opportunities you can pursue in this industry.

What I love most about the industry is the people – the people I have worked with and met over the years as well as the people I will continue to meet in years to come.

The tourism industry is ever-changing and that is what I also love about it.