Muscat: With the peak tourism season about to start in the Sultanate of Oman and other parts of the region, UN Tourism has released tips for a Responsible Traveler, developed by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics based on the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics.
The tips are important as the Sultante of Oman is expecting of large number of international tourists this season.
Earlier speaking to the Observer, Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, said, "The Sultanate can offer tourists a slice of history, geography, natural landscape, adventure, culture and heritage, and more.
"It is the best time to be here in winter while the the southern part of the country is a destination all around the year. Tourists coming to Oman will find quality, experiences and plenty of choices. Tourists can get in contact with Omanis at different levels and therefore that is an asset by itself. Tourists are looking now for experience and direct contact with local communities, which is possible in Oman."
Code of Ethics
The UNWTO Code of Ethics is addressed to governments, tourism companies, destinations, local communities, and tourists and its recommendations include: Research your destination to learn about local customs, traditions, and social conditions to build an understanding of the local community.
Learn to speak a few words in the local language, which will help you connect with the local community and its people in a more meaningful way.
Experience and respect are all that make a tourism destination different and unique, from its history, architecture, religion, dress, and communication codes, to its music, art, and cuisine.
Always ask before taking photographs of other people as their privacy matters as much as yours and do not offer money to get the desired picture.
Pause and reflect before criticizing local living conditions or customs and learn to listen and leave preconceptions at home.
Treat with courtesy and respect staff and service providers at all tourism facilities.
Reduce your environmental impact by being a guardian of natural resources, especially forests and wetlands, respect wildlife and their natural habitats. Animal attractions may imply cruelty.
Do not purchase products made of endangered plants, animals, or non-sustainable hardwood.
In protected areas, access only the places open to visitors and do not offer money to locals to discover 'no-go' areas.
Reduce waste, single-use plastic, water & energy consumption, and plan transport to cut carbon emissions.
Buy locally made handcrafts and products. Respect the livelihoods of local artisans by paying a fair price.
Do not buy counterfeit products or items prohibited by national and international regulations.
Hire local guides, spend locally, and find out about tipping practices.
Support businesses embracing diversity and equality and slow down and spend more time in less visited areas.
Health and Safety
Take health and safety precautions and consult national authorities in case of doubts. Read the small print in visa requirements and your travel insurance.
Be aware of cancellation policies and passenger rights.
Know how to access medical care or contact the embassy in case of an emergency.
Research well before engaging in voluntary tourism and choose tourism operators with environmental policies and community projects. Some initiatives may seem green or ethical but do not provide decent working
conditions.
National laws and regulations.
Follow the rules at religious sites and respect “private spaces”.
Observe human rights and protect children from exploitation. Abusing children is a crime and refrain from giving money and gifts to begging children.
Support community projects instead.
Have fun but respect the locals and their lifestyle. Interact with them to understand their culture.
Before embarking on your travels, browse online reviews and blogs.
Provide honest reviews upon your return and promote your travel experiences on social media.
Think twice before posting selfies and pictures of other people. They may disapprove and your likes can wait.
Report injustice, exploitation, and discrimination
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