A new roadmap for the self-regulation of South Africa’s adventure tourism industry has been developed, with the aim of capitalising on growth opportunities and mitigating risks that could lead to reputational damage.
Under its Adventure Chapter (created in 2020), SATSA designed the Adventure Tourism Self-Regulation Roadmap and a General Code of Good Practice Guide and Checklist as part of its first steps toward implementing self-regulation.
“SATSA has always viewed the adventure tourism industry as a significant growth opportunity for South Africa. To fully leverage this potential, the focus should be on minimising any potential risks that could harm the industry’s reputation,” SATSA COO Hannelie du Toit told Tourism Update.
Under the roadmap, activities have been categorised under air, land, and water-based. SATSA’s Adventure Chapter steering committee – comprising adventure operators and industry experts – will be supported by five proposed task teams.
“These teams will provide specialist guidance, partnerships, and lobbying assistance in skills development and training; risk management; marketing and market access; transformation and responsible tourism; and industry statistics and monitoring,” Du Toit explained.
Technical working groups are also being identified to develop standards according to activity categories, including wheel-based, boat-based, paddling/rafting/SUPs, mountaineering, and aerial non-flight (such as zip lines and cableways).
“Additionally, we are developing several toolkits to support industry in applying best practices and adhering to the Code of Good Practice. It is important to acknowledge that these documents are fluid and subject to continuous improvement. The adventure tourism industry is constantly evolving, and as such, it is crucial to update important information and adapt as necessary,” said Du Toit.
Du Toit said that the drafted Code of Good Practice would be finalised at SATSA’s AGM on August 23, after which time adventure operators would be able to submit self-assessments to gain verification and the credibility arising from meeting the published industry standards.
