Seeking to enhance safety in adventure tourism
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority signed on Wednesday a joint cooperation programme in the field of capacity building for mountain ambulance and rescue and safety requirements for mountain adventure activities, within the framework of national efforts aimed at enhancing and raising safety standards in adventure tourism in the Sultanate of Oman.
The programme was signed by Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, and Brigadier Eng Ali bin Saif al Maqbali, Assistant Chairman of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, in the presence of a number of officials and specialists from both sides.
The signing of the programme comes as a reflection of the existing cooperation between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, out of a keenness to empower the adventure tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman in a manner that keeps pace with the requirements of this sector and enhances the efficiency of specialised companies in dealing with various emergency situations.
The programme also aims to build the capacities of the national human resources working in the adventure tourism sector and raise the efficiency of personnel in the field of mountain ambulance and rescue through the implementation of specialised training programmes in accordance with best international standards, thereby contributing to providing a safe environment for practitioners of adventure activities.
Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, stated that the programme falls within the framework of raising the level of readiness and enhancing the safety system in adventure tourism activities in the Sultanate of Oman to keep pace with the rapid growth witnessed by this vital sector.
He explained that the programme aims to develop the capabilities of national human resources working in the adventure tourism sector through the implementation of specialised training programmes in the fields of mountain ambulance and rescue and dealing with emergency situations in mountain environments in accordance with best international practices and standards, contributing to raising the efficiency of response and speed of intervention.
Al Busaidy added that developing the safety system is a fundamental pillar in the development and sustainability of adventure tourism by empowering workers in this sector with the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with various field challenges, thereby enhancing the confidence of visitors and practitioners of these activities.
He emphasised that this programme will contribute to consolidating the position of the Sultanate of Oman as a safe and leading tourist destination at both regional and international levels, characterised by the diversity of its tourism experiences and the quality of its services in accordance with the highest safety standards.
For his part, the Assistant Chairman of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority indicated that the programme embodies the institutional partnership between the Authority and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and aims to enhance the readiness of national cadres working in the adventure tourism sector by equipping them with specialised skills and knowledge in ambulance, rescue, and risk management.
He added that the Authority is keen to utilise its national expertise and training and technical capabilities to prepare and qualify workers in this field through the implementation of specialised training programmes in first aid, mountain rescue and emergency handling, thereby raising the level of readiness and field response and enhancing the capacity to deal with various challenges associated with adventure tourism activities.
The programme will include the execution of a number of specialised training courses, including a first aid and safety programme on mountain trails, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses, and risk assessment courses for mountain adventure tourism activities.
The programme also stipulates cooperation through disseminating media materials on the most important first aid guidelines on mountain trails, mountain climbing and adventure activities, as well as awareness about safety procedures and other avenues of cooperation between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority.
The programme will contribute to elevating the level of capacity development for specialised national human resources in adventure tourism, and consolidating the status of the Sultanate of Oman as a leading destination for sustainable adventure tourism, in line with tourism development targets and enhancing the competitiveness of the tourism sector at both regional and international levels. – ONA
