(MENAFN - Arab News) The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) have agreed to join hands in upgrading first aid programs in the tourism sector.
SCTA President Prince Sultan bin Salman and SRCA President Prince Faisal bin Abdullah signed a cooperation agreement at the SCTA headquarters in Riyadh yesterday.
Under the agreement, SRCA's emergency services would cover all tourism and heritage sites, tourism trips, and training programs for tourist guides. Coordination with the SRCA with regard to the availability of emergency services would be one of the prerequisites to obtain licenses or renew licenses for tourism operators. The tour operators should also coordinate with the authority to ensure safety standards. There would also be cooperation in the fields of research and information as well as in upgrading the databases of tourism and heritage sites. The two organizations would also cooperate in strengthening awareness among the public about first aid and safety means while undertaking tourism trips and organizing tourism festivals.
Speaking on the occasion, Prince Sultan bin Salman highlighted the significance of improving first aid programs at tourism facilities and events. "The two organizations are keen to ensure the safety of tourists and visitors to various tourism sites and facilities. An earlier visit of the SRCA chief to the commission's headquarters has paved the way in crystallizing this cooperation," he said.
While lauding the efforts of the SRCA in serving the people in the best possible manner, the SCTA chief said the agreement would allow tourist and heritage sites to take advantage of the Red Crescent's services. "We will also exchange vital geographic information and details about various tourism and heritage sites and tourism activities. This would allow the SRCA to make available its land and air emergency services and deploy them to these spots swiftly," he said.
Prince Faisal said the agreement would enable the SRCA to cover all tourist and heritage sites across the Kingdom with its emergency services. "From now onwards, there will be a presence of SRCA volunteers at all tourism festivals and events," he said.
