Muscat: Adventure tourism in Oman is growing as more foreign adventurers visit the country.
This is to maximize and fully utilize natural and cultural resources in order to expand the tourism and heritage industries, therefore achieving the objectives of economic diversification and a sustainable tourism economy.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is working with relevant authorities to keep an eye on this increase and provide tourists with all the necessary services. This makes the Sultanate of Oman one of the world’s safest tourist destinations, adhering to security and safety standards for adventure activities.
Yousef bin Rashid Al Harrasi, Head of Product Development at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's Department of Product Development and Tourism Experiences, stated that diversifying tourism products is one of the ministry's most important strategies for increasing tourist traffic and enriching and diversifying the tourism experience in adventure tourism, which attracts a lively tourist flow favored by adventurers from across the globe.
He went on to say that Oman is one of the countries that attracts many people interested in adventure tourism and adventurers of all kinds, owing to its exceptional natural and geological diversity, which is reflected in the range of activities favored by adventurers and tourists eager to participate in adventure tourism.
He explained that natural locations, such as the Eastern and Western Al Hajar Mountains, are the preferred destination for adventurers since they provide a wide range of adventure tasks, including mountain hiking, ziplining, cave discovery, swimming, valley experiences, and other similar activities.
He also noted that certain locations in the governorates of Dhofar and Musandam are popular adventure tourism destinations.
He highlighted the increase in adventure tourism in the Sultanate of Oman, both among foreign adventure fans and local visitors, who are improving their experience through tourism firms that now organize adventure tourism excursions and activities licensed by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, taking into account all safety and security measures when engaging in them.
He stated that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has provided and installed 73 information and directional signs for mountain paths and 30 informational signs on mountain trails in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly in the eastern and western Al Hajar Mountains and Muscat Governorate. The goal is to maximize the benefit from this unique natural diversity, introduce the natural and cultural content of these mountain paths and their ranges, instill concepts of awareness of their importance in enhancing the tourism experience, and educate adventurers about the importance of being familiar with security and safety standards.
He stated that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's efforts to regulate the adventure tourism industry followed a study of the greatest international practices that could be used and implemented in the Sultanate of Oman to govern adventure tourism operations.
The Ministry examined New Zealand's experience and model for planning and managing adventure tourism operations, which is regarded as one of the best in terms of applying legal and safety regulations.
Furthermore, the system's success in the Sultanate of Oman has positioned the country as a leader in adventure tourism experiences.
He clarified that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is working to establish a legal framework for all adventure activities, similar to the licensing requirements.
It is in the process of creating a regulatory framework for adventure trip providers and adventure tourism project executors, as well as a risk and safety management audit system for firms that offer these activities. Specialized centers are also available for training and education on a variety of adventure activities, including identifying destinations and sites where these activities may be executed and operated, as well as encouraging the commercial sector to invest in adventure tourism initiatives.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism places a high priority on security and safety and is in the process of signing a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Defence, represented by the Adventure Training Centre of the Royal Army of Oman. The agreement will cover auditing compliance with security and safety requirements as well as specialised training in a number of adventure tourism activities, while also utilizing the centre's expertise to provide training courses for Omani tour guides employed by adventure tourism companies.
He mentioned that there is a capacity-building initiative for first aid and mountain rescue in collaboration with the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority.
Eight courses have been held to build capacity for first aid and mountain rescue.
The program focuses on national staff from adventure tourism firms as well as Omani adventurers in the same field, with the goal of enhancing Omani skills in dealing with possible accidents and mountain rescue.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism welcomed a delegation from the Saudi Tourism Authority last May, which included representatives from several specialized tourism firms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to learn about the Sultanate of Oman’s experience in organizing the adventure tourism sector. This was done as part of the framework of strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging expertise in organizing adventure tourism activities between the two countries.
He elaborated that during the visit, in addition to the technical audit of related projects, the regulatory procedures approved by the Ministry for adventure tourism activities, the licensing mechanisms for organising trips, and the steps for applying for specialised guide licenses were all reviewed.
He also noted that the visit included presentations by licensed Omani companies and certified adventurers, highlighting their experiences in organizing adventure activities while adhering to safety and security standards, as well as reviewing the equipment and tools utilized in adventure tourism and sharing experiences and expertise between Omani companies and their Saudi counterparts. Furthermore, there was a field trip to the Wilayat of Jabal Al Akhdar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to see a number of adventure tourism-related projects and sites, such as Al Sujarah Village and several other tourist destinations in the governorate.
