Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority signed today a joint cooperation program 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.
According to Oman News Agency, the program was signed by Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, and Brigadier Eng. Ali Saif Al Maqbali, Assistant Chairman of the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority, in the presence of a number of officials and specialists from both sides. The signing of the program comes as a reflection of the existing cooperation between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Civil Defense 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 specialized companies in dealing with various emergency situations.
The program 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 specialized training programs in accordance with best international standards, thus contributing to providing a safe environment for practitioners of adventure activities.
Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, stated that the program 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 program aims to develop the capabilities of national human resources working in the adventure tourism sector through the implementation of specialized training programs 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 Busaidi 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 emphasized that this program will contribute to consolidating the position of the Sultanate of Oman as a safe and leading tourist destination at both regional and international levels, characterized 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 Defense and Ambulance Authority, indicated that the program 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 specialized skills and knowledge in ambulance, rescue, and risk management. He added that the Authority is keen to utilize its national expertise, training and technical capabilities to prepare and qualify workers in this field through the implementation of specialized training programs 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 program will include the implementation of a number of specialized training courses, including a first aid and safety program on mountain trails, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses, and risk assessment courses for mountain adventure tourism activities. The program 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 Defense and Ambulance Authority.
The program will contribute to elevating the level of capacity development for specialized 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.