Overview

ISO 20611:2018 - Adventure tourism - Good practices for sustainability - Requirements and recommendations provides practical guidance for adventure tourism activity providers to plan and operate activities with sustainable environmental, social and economic practices. Designed for organizations of all sizes and operating contexts, this ISO standard helps minimize negative impacts on ecosystems and host communities while enhancing positive benefits from adventure tourism.

Keywords: ISO 20611:2018, adventure tourism, sustainability, good practices, environmental management, social responsibility, economic sustainability

Key topics and requirements

The standard defines expectations and recommended actions across the three pillars of sustainability:

Scope and definitions
- Applies to adventure tourism activity providers and participants.
- Key terms: adventure tourism activity, carrying capacity, participant, sustainability.
Understanding sustainability
- Emphasizes environmental, social and economic interdependence.
- Encourages transparent communication with participants before, during and after activities.
Environmental aspects
- Natural resource use: know and respect local regulations, carrying capacity and landscape sensitivity; adapt group sizes.
- Pollution control: reduce, reuse and recycle waste; manage human waste ethically; minimize light, noise and water pollution.
- Energy use: reduce consumption, prioritize renewable energy and compensate greenhouse gas emissions.
- Biodiversity protection: avoid disturbance of habitats and species.
Social aspects
- Respect local cultures and promote inclusion (including persons with disabilities).
- Engage and involve local communities; support equitable distribution of benefits.
Economic aspects
- Promote fair business practices, financial risk management and sustainable employment that benefits host regions.
Operational requirements
- Active adoption of sustainability practices in planning and implementation.
- Participant briefings on eco-friendly behavior and legal/permit compliance.

Practical applications - who should use it

ISO 20611:2018 is practical for:

Adventure tour operators and activity providers (trekking, rafting, climbing, wildlife tours)
Destination managers and tourism boards seeking sustainable development
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) offering outdoor experiences
Certification bodies, sustainability auditors and consultants in tourism
Local communities and stakeholders engaging with adventure tourism

Benefits include reduced environmental footprint, improved community relations, better risk management, enhanced customer trust and alignment with sustainable tourism goals.

Related standards

ISO 21101:2014 - Adventure tourism - Safety management systems (definitions referenced)
ISO 21103 - Providing information for adventure tourism activities (participant briefings)
ISO Guide 82:2014 - Sustainable development and sustainability terminology

Using ISO 20611:2018 helps adventure tourism providers integrate sustainability, biodiversity protection, waste management, and community engagement into everyday operations for long-term, responsible tourism.

Overview

Keywords: ISO 20611:2018, adventure tourism, sustainability, good practices, environmental management, social responsibility, economic sustainability

Key topics and requirements

The standard defines expectations and recommended actions across the three pillars of sustainability:

Scope and definitions
- Applies to adventure tourism activity providers and participants.
- Key terms: adventure tourism activity, carrying capacity, participant, sustainability.
Understanding sustainability
- Emphasizes environmental, social and economic interdependence.
- Encourages transparent communication with participants before, during and after activities.
Environmental aspects
- Natural resource use: know and respect local regulations, carrying capacity and landscape sensitivity; adapt group sizes.
- Pollution control: reduce, reuse and recycle waste; manage human waste ethically; minimize light, noise and water pollution.
- Energy use: reduce consumption, prioritize renewable energy and compensate greenhouse gas emissions.
- Biodiversity protection: avoid disturbance of habitats and species.
Social aspects
- Respect local cultures and promote inclusion (including persons with disabilities).
- Engage and involve local communities; support equitable distribution of benefits.
Economic aspects
- Promote fair business practices, financial risk management and sustainable employment that benefits host regions.
Operational requirements
- Active adoption of sustainability practices in planning and implementation.
- Participant briefings on eco-friendly behavior and legal/permit compliance.

Practical applications - who should use it

ISO 20611:2018 is practical for:

Adventure tour operators and activity providers (trekking, rafting, climbing, wildlife tours)
Destination managers and tourism boards seeking sustainable development
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) offering outdoor experiences
Certification bodies, sustainability auditors and consultants in tourism
Local communities and stakeholders engaging with adventure tourism

Benefits include reduced environmental footprint, improved community relations, better risk management, enhanced customer trust and alignment with sustainable tourism goals.

Related standards

ISO 21101:2014 - Adventure tourism - Safety management systems (definitions referenced)
ISO 21103 - Providing information for adventure tourism activities (participant briefings)
ISO Guide 82:2014 - Sustainable development and sustainability terminology

ISO 20611:2018 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and requirements

Practical applications - who should use it

Related standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and requirements

Practical applications - who should use it

Related standards

Related standards

Adventure tourism — Safety management systems — Requirements

Adventure tourism - Information for participants

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