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Management system standards

ISO 21101 Adventure Tourism Management System

April 16, 20244 minute read
Adventure Tourism

ISO 21101:2014 Adventure tourism — Safety management systems — Requirements specifies the requirements of a safety management system for adventure tourism activity providers. Adventure tourism is where tourists engage in adventurous activities such as trekking, climbing, rafting, scuba diving, or the like. It gains much of its appeal and excitement by enabling the tourist to step outside their comfort zone.

A provider can use the standard for the following:

  • enhancing safety performance;
  • meeting expectations for participant and staff safety;
  • demonstrating safe practice;
  • supporting compliance with applicable legal requirements.

ISO 21101 can be used by all types and sizes of providers, operating in different geographic, cultural and social environments.

The standard was last reviewed and confirmed in 2019; therefore, this version remains current.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Context of the organization
4.1 Understanding the organization and its context
4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties
4.3 Determining the scope of the adventure tourism safety management system
4.4 Adventure tourism safety management system
5 Leadership
5.1 Leadership and commitment
5.2 Policy
5.3 Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities
6 Planning
6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities
6.2 Adventure tourism safety objectives and planning to achieve them
7 Support
7.1 Resources
7.2 Competence
7.3 Awareness
7.4 Communication
7.5 Documented information
8 Operation
8.1 Operational planning and control
8.2 Emergency preparedness and response
8.3 Managing incidents
9 Performance evaluation
9.1 Monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation
9.2 Internal audit
9.3 Management review
10 Improvement
10.1 Nonconformity and corrective action
10.2 Continual improvement
Annex A Adventure tourism risk management process
A.1 General
A.2 Establishing the context
A.3 Risk assessment
A.4 Risk treatment
Annex B Partial examples of tools for safety management
ISO 21101:2014

Implementation

Implementing a Safety Management System (SMS) for adventure tourism in conformity with ISO 21101 involves several key steps.

Here are those steps.

Leadership and Commitment

  • Demonstrate leadership commitment to safety within the organization.
  • Establish a safety policy that aligns with organizational goals for adventure tourism.

Scope and Context

  • Determine the scope of the SMS for adventure tourism.
  • Understand the internal and external context, including legal and regulatory requirements related to adventure tourism safety.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

  • Identify and comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements related to adventure tourism safety.
  • Stay informed about changes in legislation that may impact safety practices.

Adventure Tourism Safety Policy

Develop an adventure tourism safety policy that outlines the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety of participants.

Risk Assessment and Management

  • Identify and assess risks associated with adventure tourism activities.
  • Develop risk mitigation strategies and controls to manage and reduce safety risks.

Emergency Response and Preparedness

  • Develop and implement emergency response plans for adventure tourism incidents.
  • Ensure that personnel are trained in emergency procedures and preparedness.

Adventure Activity Planning

  • Plan adventure tourism activities based on recognized safety standards and best practices.
  • Establish guidelines for selecting and preparing adventure sites.

Equipment Safety

  • Implement processes for inspecting, maintaining, and ensuring the safety of adventure equipment.
  • Set standards for equipment usage and conduct regular safety checks.

Training and Competence

  • Provide comprehensive training to adventure tourism staff on safety procedures and practices.
  • Ensure that staff members are competent and have the necessary skills for their roles.

Participant Information and Briefing

  • Provide clear and comprehensive information to participants about safety guidelines and requirements.
  • Conduct thorough safety briefings before adventure activities.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Establish effective communication channels with participants, staff, and relevant stakeholders.
  • Engage with external partners, local communities, and regulatory authorities on safety matters.

Monitoring and Measurement

  • Implement systems for monitoring and measuring safety performance during adventure activities.
  • Regularly assess the organization’s compliance with safety objectives and targets.

Data Analysis and Reporting

  • Analyze safety performance data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities.
  • Prepare regular reports on safety achievements and initiatives.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

  • Develop processes for reporting and investigating safety incidents.
  • Establish procedures for learning from incidents and implementing corrective actions.

Continual Improvement

  • Establish processes for continual improvement of adventure tourism safety practices.
  • Regularly review and update safety procedures based on feedback and changing requirements.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

  • Develop and maintain documentation related to adventure tourism safety policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Keep records of risk assessments, incident reports, training, and equipment inspections.

Audit and Certification

  • Conduct internal audits to assess compliance with adventure tourism safety policies and procedures.
  • Consider seeking third-party certification to demonstrate adherence to the ISO 21101 standard.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Ensure that adventure tourism practices align with legal, ethical, and professional standards.
  • Establish processes to address legal and ethical issues related to safety.

In conclusion…

By following these steps, organizations involved in adventure tourism can implement an effective safety management system in conformity with ISO 21101. Regular reviews and updates are crucial to ensuring the continued effectiveness and relevance of safety management practices.

ISO 21101 can be purchased through the ISO.org website.

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