Oxalis Pioneers Training and Promoting of National Standards for Adventure Tourism

National Standards Applied to Adventure Tourism

The training focused on three national standards for adventure tourism:

1. Adventure Tourism - Safety Management Systems - Requirements (TCVN 12592:2018, ISO 21101:2014)

This standard provides basic requirements to ensure safety for adventure tourism providers. Providers like Oxalis must clearly communicate the risks involved in adventure activities.

To ensure effective communication, participants must submit personal information, health status, and other factors that may affect safety.

Understanding TCVN 12592:2018 helps Oxalis enhance its safety management system, protecting visitors in all situations and minimizing risks during adventure activities.

Oxalis has developed an Adventure Level system to help visitors assess and choose tours that match their fitness and abilities.

2. Adventure Tourism - Guides - Personal Competence (TCVN 12593:2018, ISO/TR 21102:2013)

To ensure the safety for participants, TCVN 12593:2018 (ISO/TR 21102:2013) requires adventure tourism guides and instructors to meet certain minimum competencies. Specifically, guides need knowledge in weather, navigation, safety, group management, and environmental factors. They must also develop communication, leadership, decision-making, and first-aid skills, along with a positive, flexible attitude.

After the training, Oxalis guides not only mastered the necessary technical skills but also improved their ability to handle situations. They can clearly communicate safety information to guests, ensuring a professional team. As a result, customers feel more at ease when participating in adventure tours.

Oxalis guides provide essential information to visitors during the Sơn Đoòng Expedition tour.

3. Adventure Tourism - Information for Participants (TCVN 12594:2018, ISO 21103:2014)

The "Adventure Tourism - Information for Participants" standard requires adventure activity providers to provide accurate, clear, and complete information to customers, including potential risks associated with each activity.

Providing accurate information to participants in accordance with national standards helps them better understand the activities they are engaging in and make informed decisions about adventure tourism. Before booking a service, participants will be fully informed about the associated risks to increase their awareness of potential dangers and the necessary precautions.

At Oxalis, guides and the operations team are trained to communicate safety information to customers before, during, and after participation. Visitors will be briefed on potential situations that may arise, the risks involved, and the preventive measures to take.

Before starting the cave exploration tours, visitors are required to attend a safety briefing session.

Importance of Training and Sharing National Standards for Adventure Tourism at Oxalis

From its early days, Oxalis Adventure has always prioritized safety. The company is committed to providing high-quality, safe adventure tourism services by using internationally standard equipment and professional guides. Tours are organized during the dry season with flexible itineraries, ensuring safety against abnormal weather conditions. Oxalis also classifies tours into six levels to match customers' fitness. The guides are trained in rescue operations and safety techniques, and regular training courses help improve team skills, ensuring a safe experience for guests and building customer trust.

By organizing this training course, Oxalis further strengthens its commitment to maintaining the three main pillars of the company: safety, environmental conservation, and local community involvement. During the training, Oxalis members not only learned the theory but also applied it to real-life situations and daily work. Through group discussions and case analysis, the members gained a comprehensive understanding of the standards in use at the company and felt more confident in managing risks.

The groups discuss and present solutions based on specific situations.

Practical Application of Standards in Oxalis Operations

Oxalis has applied the knowledge and procedures from the national standards into daily operations. Applications in tour organization at Oxalis include:

• Oxalis conducts risk analysis before each trip, considering weather conditions, terrain and ensuring safety equipment for customers. By applying risk management procedures according to standards, the company can quickly detect and handle emergencies effectively.
• Oxalis has improved its communication processes to provide full information about risks in adventure activities. Sales staff and guides are trained to communicate essential safety information. Every customer is asked and listened to regarding safety concerns before participating in activities.
• During the training, members participated in emergency response drills, such as first aid for accidents and handling unexpected natural disasters. These skills enhance the Oxalis team's ability to handle situations calmly and flexibly, ensuring maximum safety for guests.

Oxalis always conducts risk analysis and assessment, then develops plans to ensure the safety of visitors.

By organizing the training on the National Standards for Adventure Tourism, Oxalis takes a significant step forward in enhancing the quality and safety of its adventure tours. The course not only strengthens employees' expertise but also helps Oxalis build a robust safety management system, aiming to continue providing the best and safest experiences for guests.

The Oxalis Experience.