Do you have an adventurous spirit? Are you brave? Do you get excited about walking through the jungle or climbing the highest peaks? Have you ever dreamed of walking along the most incredible roads in the world?
Mountaineering, motorcycling and boating can be the most exciting experiences that stay with you forever, but they are also very dangerous. As adventure tourism is gaining popularity, safety has become a major issue. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published several standards for this purpose, among which we mention:
SSH ISO 21101 - Safety management systems
SSH ISO 21103 - Information for participants
But before we explain what the above standards consist of, let's take a look at the trend in this field.
In a quick look at the market, adventure tourism has grown by over 17% and is now one in four planned trips. This trend is set to continue. A study conducted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association concludes that adventure tourism will account for around 50% of all travel by 2050.
To this end, experts from several countries around the world have been part of the ISO Technical Committees, which have published the above standards, as well as the technical report on Leaders – Personnel Competencies.
The standard, SSH ISO 21101, defines the security management system requirements for adventure tourism providers, to encourage them to carefully consider the activities they offer, understand the needs of tourists, define security processes well and keep the situation under control.
The standard is used to define security policies, objectives and plans, as well as procedures for risk management, personnel competencies, operational controls and emergency preparedness.
The SSH ISO 21103 standard specifies the type of information to be provided to potential tourists and other interested parties in the adventure tourism industry, regarding contractual aspects.
Both of these standards bring more security, competitiveness and credibility to adventure tourism worldwide, especially in destinations where significant steps need to be taken to improve their services. And who knows? Standards can even encourage more people to seek new adventures.
General Directorate of Standardization (GPS)
Rruga “Mine Peza”, No. 143/3, 1014 – Tirana
P.O. Box No. 98
Phone: + 355 (04) 222 62 55
Fax: + 355 (04) 224 71 77
E-mail: info@dps.gov.al
Website: www.dps.gov.al
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