The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has launched a mandatory insurance policy for organisers of adventure tourism activities in line with the decision No 124/2021 of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The insurance policy, launched in cooperation with the Oman Reinsurance Company, provides coverage for legal liability and financial consequences to tour operators as a result of injury or damage to the client and third parties.
The adventure tourism insurance policy will be available through travel and tourism operators.
According to Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, "Any tourist who comes to the Sultanate of Oman to enjoy adventure tourism must have an adventure insurance policy against the risks that arise from this tourism. There is a lot of pressure on the concerned authorities regarding accidents that take place due to various reasons." The ministry stressed that all companies must give security and safety requirements priority when practicing adventure tourism activities, which includes having an audit document on special activities and insurance coverage.
At an introductory meeting last week, officials reviewed the procedures for security and safety requirements that were presented by specialists, which include providing details of the adventure activities by travel and tourism offices while submitting applications, reviewing application procedures between the ministry and the auditing body for adventure tourism activities. The meeting also included a presentation on safety procedures to reduce activity accidents during mountain trails by Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority specialists.
The ministry has been developing regulatory measures for the adventure tourism industry in Oman by preparing guidelines for the Adventure Safety Guide (ASG) Management System and creating a system for issuing permits to conduct adventure activities.
Any licensed company or sole proprietorship must obtain a licence to organise tourist trips for groups or individuals inside the Sultanate or abroad, according to programmes that include transportation or reservations in hotels or tourist establishments.
The companies can provide special services for tourists like getting entry and exit visas, insurance services and reservations of the places.
The licensed company, while engaging in the activity of organising adventure tourism trips, must provide the tourist with detailed information about the trip, potential risks and instructions.
It must provide approved maps, insuring tourists with an insurance policy against all risks involved with adventure activities.
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