Latest news with #adventuretourism
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
PM invites Qatari climber, Pakistan's new tourism ambassador, to return for future expeditions
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday invited Qatari mountaineer Sheikha Asma Al Thani, recently appointed as Pakistan's brand ambassador for mountain and adventure tourism, to return to the country for future expeditions. Al Thani, who became the first woman from Qatar and the Gulf to summit Nanga Parbat earlier this month, met the prime minister in Islamabad where he praised her courage and her contributions to global awareness of Pakistan's natural beauty. 'The prime minister congratulated her for being the first woman from Qatar and the Gulf to successfully summit Nanga Parbat,' the PM Office said in a statement. 'He appreciated Sheikha Asma's extraordinary courage and commitment in achieving this milestone and praised her efforts to promote awareness around empowering women, especially young women, through adventure sports.' The prime minister noted that five of the world's fourteen highest peaks are in Pakistan, calling it a 'matter of pride' that positions the country as a key destination for climbers worldwide. He also thanked Al Thani for selecting Pakistan's mountains and 'drawing international attention to their challenges and natural beauty.' 'He extended best wishes to Sheikha Asma in her mission to summit all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks and invited her to return to Pakistan to further explore the country's diverse and breathtaking landscapes.' The prime minister acknowledged the vital contribution of Pakistani porters and guides in enabling international climbers to pursue their goals, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring their safety, support and hospitality. He also expressed interest in strengthening Pakistan-Qatar cooperation in areas such as sports, youth engagement and adventure tourism. 'The prime minister appreciated Sheikha Asma's active role as Vice President of the Gender Equality Commission in creating equal opportunities,' the statement said. During the meeting, Al Thani expressed gratitude for the hospitality she received during her climbs, and praised the local porters and guides who assisted her on Nanga Parbat and other summits. She also highlighted the experience of climbing K2, which she had summited previously. 'It is the best of all the peaks I've climbed,' she was quoted as saying in the statement. 'Its beauty is unmatched.'
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Zawya
Adventure tourism activities in Oman surge
Muscat: Adventure tourism in the Sultanate of Oman is rising with growing international of foreign adventurers in the country. This is to benefit from and optimally exploit natural and cultural resources in developing the tourism and heritage sector, achieving the goals of economic diversification and building a sustainable tourism economy. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is cooperating with relevant authorities to monitor this growth and provide all the necessary services required by tourists, making the Sultanate of Oman one of the world's safest tourist destinations, in accordance with the security and safety requirements for adventure activities. Yousef bin Rashid Al Harrasi, Head of Product Development at the Department of Product Development and Tourism Experiences at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said that diversifying tourism products is one of the most important approaches the ministry seeks to achieve to increase the tourist flow and enhance and diversify the tourism experience in the field of adventure tourism, which attracts a vibrant tourist movement favoured by adventurers from all over the world. He added that the Sultanate of Oman is among the countries that attract many people interested in adventure tourism and adventurers of all kinds, due to its unique natural and geological diversity, which is reflected in the variety of activities preferred by adventurers and tourists eager to practice adventure tourism. He explained that natural sites such as the Eastern and Western Al Hajar Mountains are the preferred haven for adventurers, as they offer a variety of adventure activities such as mountain walking, zip-lining, cave exploration, swimming, valley adventures, and other related activities practiced by adventurers. He also pointed out that some sites in the governorates of Dhofar and Musandam are preferred destinations for adventure tourism. He pointed to the growth in adventure tourism in the Sultanate of Oman, both among international adventure enthusiasts and local tourists, who are enhancing their experience through tourism companies that currently organize adventure tourism trips and activities licensed by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, taking into account all safety and security precautions when practicing them. He said that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has supplied and installed 73 information and directional signs for mountain trails and 30 informational signs on mountain trails in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly in the eastern and western Al Hajar Mountains and Muscat Governorate, in order to maximise the benefit from this unique natural diversity, introduce the natural and cultural content of these mountain trails 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 explained that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism efforts to regulate the adventure tourism sector came after studying the best international practices that can be utilised and applied in the Sultanate of Oman to regulate adventure tourism activities. The Ministry reviewed the New Zealand experience and model for organising and managing adventure tourism activities, which is considered one of the best models in terms of implementing security and safety standards and legislative aspects. Furthermore, the success of this system in the Sultanate of Oman has made it one of the leading countries in the field of adventure tourism experiences. He explained that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has also worked to create a legal framework regulating all adventure activities in accordance with the standards followed for their licensing. It is in the process of developing a regulatory framework for adventure trip organisers and adventure tourism project implementers, and creating a risk and safety management audit system for companies operating these activities. Specialised centres have also been provided for training and education on various types of adventure activities, identifying destinations and sites where these activities can be implemented and operated, and encouraging the private sector to invest in adventure tourism projects. He pointed out that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has made security and safety a top priority 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, in the field of auditing standards of compliance with security and safety requirements and specialised training in a number of adventure tourism activities, while making full use of the centre's expertise to provide training courses for Omani tour guides who are employees of tourism companies specialised in the field of adventure tourism. He said there is a capacity building programme for first aid and mountain rescue in cooperation with the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. Eight courses have been organised in capacity building for first aid and mountain rescue. The programme targets national cadres from tourism companies specialising in adventure tourism and Omani adventurers in the same field, with the aim of developing Omani capabilities in the skills of dealing with potential accidents and mountain rescue. He stated that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism hosted a delegation from the Saudi Tourism Authority last May, which included a number of representatives of specialised tourism companies from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to learn about the Sultanate of Oman's experience in organising the adventure tourism sector, within the framework of enhancing bilateral cooperation and exchanging expertise in organising adventure tourism activities between the two countries. He explained that during the visit, 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 reviewed, in addition to the technical audit of related projects. He added that the visit also witnessed presentations by licensed Omani companies and certified adventurers, focusing on their experiences in organising adventure activities with an emphasis on the safety and security standards followed, in addition to reviewing the equipment and tools used in adventure tourism and exchanging experiences and expertise between Omani companies and their Saudi counterparts, in addition to a field trip to the Wilayat of Jabal Al Akhdar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to view a number of projects and sites related to adventure tourism activities, including Al Sujarah Village and a number of other tourist destinations in the governorate. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
05-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Adventure tourism activities in Oman surge
Muscat: Adventure tourism in the Sultanate of Oman is witnessing a growing international interest in a number of activities. This is to benefit from and optimally exploit natural and cultural resources in developing the tourism and heritage sector, achieving the goals of economic diversification and building a sustainable tourism economy. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is cooperating with relevant authorities to monitor this growth and provide all the necessary services required by tourists, making the Sultanate of Oman one of the world's safest tourist destinations, in accordance with the security and safety requirements for adventure activities. Yousef bin Rashid Al Harrasi, Head of Product Development at the Department of Product Development and Tourism Experiences at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said that diversifying tourism products is one of the most important approaches the ministry seeks to achieve to increase the tourist flow and enhance and diversify the tourism experience in the field of adventure tourism, which attracts a vibrant tourist movement favoured by adventurers from all over the world. He added that the Sultanate of Oman is among the countries that attract many people interested in adventure tourism and adventurers of all kinds, due to its unique natural and geological diversity, which is reflected in the variety of activities preferred by adventurers and tourists eager to practice adventure tourism. He explained that natural sites such as the Eastern and Western Al Hajar Mountains are the preferred haven for adventurers, as they offer a variety of adventure activities such as mountain walking, zip-lining, cave exploration, swimming, valley adventures, and other related activities practiced by adventurers. He also pointed out that some sites in the governorates of Dhofar and Musandam are preferred destinations for adventure tourism. He pointed to the growth in adventure tourism in the Sultanate of Oman, both among international adventure enthusiasts and local tourists, who are enhancing their experience through tourism companies that currently organize adventure tourism trips and activities licensed by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, taking into account all safety and security precautions when practicing them. He said that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has supplied and installed 73 information and directional signs for mountain trails and 30 informational signs on mountain trails in the Sultanate of Oman, particularly in the eastern and western Al Hajar Mountains and Muscat Governorate, in order to maximise the benefit from this unique natural diversity, introduce the natural and cultural content of these mountain trails 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 explained that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism efforts to regulate the adventure tourism sector came after studying the best international practices that can be utilised and applied in the Sultanate of Oman to regulate adventure tourism activities. The Ministry reviewed the New Zealand experience and model for organising and managing adventure tourism activities, which is considered one of the best models in terms of implementing security and safety standards and legislative aspects. Furthermore, the success of this system in the Sultanate of Oman has made it one of the leading countries in the field of adventure tourism experiences. He explained that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has also worked to create a legal framework regulating all adventure activities in accordance with the standards followed for their licensing. It is in the process of developing a regulatory framework for adventure trip organisers and adventure tourism project implementers, and creating a risk and safety management audit system for companies operating these activities. Specialised centres have also been provided for training and education on various types of adventure activities, identifying destinations and sites where these activities can be implemented and operated, and encouraging the private sector to invest in adventure tourism projects. He pointed out that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has made security and safety a top priority 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, in the field of auditing standards of compliance with security and safety requirements and specialised training in a number of adventure tourism activities, while making full use of the centre's expertise to provide training courses for Omani tour guides who are employees of tourism companies specialised in the field of adventure tourism. He said there is a capacity building programme for first aid and mountain rescue in cooperation with the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. Eight courses have been organised in capacity building for first aid and mountain rescue. The programme targets national cadres from tourism companies specialising in adventure tourism and Omani adventurers in the same field, with the aim of developing Omani capabilities in the skills of dealing with potential accidents and mountain rescue. He stated that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism hosted a delegation from the Saudi Tourism Authority last May, which included a number of representatives of specialised tourism companies from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to learn about the Sultanate of Oman's experience in organising the adventure tourism sector, within the framework of enhancing bilateral cooperation and exchanging expertise in organising adventure tourism activities between the two countries. He explained that during the visit, 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 reviewed, in addition to the technical audit of related projects. He added that the visit also witnessed presentations by licensed Omani companies and certified adventurers, focusing on their experiences in organising adventure activities with an emphasis on the safety and security standards followed, in addition to reviewing the equipment and tools used in adventure tourism and exchanging experiences and expertise between Omani companies and their Saudi counterparts, in addition to a field trip to the Wilayat of Jabal Al Akhdar in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to view a number of projects and sites related to adventure tourism activities, including Al Sujarah Village and a number of other tourist destinations in the governorate.
South China Morning Post
26-06-2025
- South China Morning Post
Mount Rinjani tragedy puts spotlight on Indonesia's adventure tourism safety
The death of a Brazilian woman who fell while climbing a volcano in Indonesia has renewed scrutiny of safety standards at the country's adventure tourism hotspots, amid a string of recent accidents involving foreign visitors. Juliana Marins, 26, fell some 600 metres (1,968 feet) while attempting to summit Mount Rinjani, a volcano on Lombok island, on Saturday. Her body was only recovered four days later after rescue efforts were hampered by dense fog, steep cliffs and unstable terrain. The incident, which drew widespread attention in Brazil and on social media, is among several recent fatalities that have prompted calls for improved risk management at Indonesia's ecotourism destinations. Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia's most popular trekking destinations, has seen several serious accidents in the past year. In May, a Malaysian tourist died after falling into a ravine. In late September, climbers near the summit required rescue after a severe fall, followed days later by a Russian man who fell 200 metres while climbing illegally and sustained severe injuries. Juliana Marins, 26, was climbing Mount Rinjani on Lombok island on June 21, 2025, when she fell about 600 metres. Her body was found four days later. Photo: Instagram / ajulianamarins Marins' family expressed frustration over the pace of rescue efforts, claiming she could have survived if help had reached her sooner. 'Juliana suffered severe neglect by the rescue team. Juliana would still be alive if the team had gotten to her within the estimated time of 7 hours,' her family wrote on Instagram, where a memorial account has drawn more than one million followers.
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New study reveals how South Africans are redefining adventure travel
New research into South Africa's domestic adventure tourism market reveals a growing trend: more than 30% of local travellers spend under R500 per person per day yet still seek meaningful, high-value experiences. Conducted by Satsa in partnership with Wesgro, the study gathered insights from over 4,200 respondents through the 101 Adventures Western Cape Competition. Touted as the most extensive analysis of its kind to date, the findings highlight a growing preference for experience-rich, affordable adventure travel and challenge outdated perceptions around pricing in the sector. "This research fundamentally shifts our understanding of South Africa's adventure traveller," says Hannelie du Toit, Satsa's COO. "We're seeing a market that values experience over expense, with clear implications for how operators should position and price their offerings." Key market findings The data reveals three equally compelling travel motivators: adventure (20.3%), relaxation (21.2%), and family time (21.1%), highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of domestic travel decision-making. This finding suggests operators should consider hybrid experiences that address multiple consumer needs simultaneously. Self-catering accommodation emerged as the clear preference amongst respondents, followed by bed-and-breakfasts and resorts, reinforcing the importance of flexible, affordable lodging options. The most sought-after activities - boat cruises, hot air ballooning, hiking, zip-lining, and helicopter rides - showcase consumers' desire for variety and scenic experiences. Higher-budget travellers demonstrated distinct preferences for wildlife safaris, wine tours, and whale watching, with premium segments gravitating towards wellness, cultural, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Across all demographics and spending levels, value for money emerged as the paramount concern, alongside practical amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and proximity to natural environments. Rethinking product and pricing strategies For industry stakeholders, from marketers to regional planners, the report offers clear direction: focus on affordability without sacrificing quality; develop flexible packages that suit families as well as solo adventurers; prioritise authentic local experiences that deliver real bang for buck. "Understanding our domestic market has never been more critical," said David Frost, SATSA CEO. "This research enables our members to make informed decisions about product development, pricing strategies, and market positioning. It's the kind of evidence-based insight that drives sustainable industry growth." The study forms part of Satsa's broader commitment to data-driven industry support and strategic market intelligence. A complementary supply-side report, currently in development with adventure operators, will quantify sector size and performance metrics, creating a comprehensive view of market dynamics from both consumer and operator perspectives. Looking Forward The research comes at a critical time for South Africa's tourism industry as operators seek to understand and capitalise on evolving domestic travel patterns in the post-pandemic landscape. Adventure tourism, recognised globally as one of the fastest-growing segments within the travel industry, represents a significant opportunity for economic recovery and inclusive growth across South Africa's regions. The findings support Satsa's mission to strengthen adventure tourism's strategic position within the country's broader tourism offering, driving inclusive growth, regional distribution, and authentic local experiences. The findings also reinforce the critical role of industry associations in providing market intelligence that enables informed business decisions and strategic planning across the tourism value chain. You can access the full report here.
