Hannelie du Toit | COO | Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) | mail me |
Industry-wide collaboration has led to the publication of new and updated safety standards and toolkits. This is part of a broader vision to position the region as the ultimate adventure destination.
We have launched a new toolkit and five category-specific Codes of Good Practice. This marks another milestone in the industry’s journey towards global best practices and enhanced safety standards.
Our first set of guidelines was released in 2023. It introduced a new level of compliance in a sector that was, at that point, largely unregulated. The new benchmark guidelines give more adventure operators the tools they need to meet international safety standards – and visitors peace of mind when they’re booking adventures and activities.
New benchmark guidelines for adventure operators
The new resources are being shared publicly for the first time at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 and are now live on our website.
Five important categories are covered:
- Aerial non-flight activities (including zip lines, rope courses, canopy tours and suspension bridges).
- Wheel-based activities (including mountain biking, BMX, skateboarding, ATVs, quad biking and off-road motorcycling).
- Boat-based activities (including whale watching, shark cage diving and other marine-based activities).
- Paddling and rafting activities (on flat water, flowing water and oceans, including rafts, kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards).
- Hiking and trekking activities (from short day walks to multi-day expeditions).
These documents are open to public comment. They aim to spark dialogue, encourage industry input and ensure broad-based ownership of the standards that will define the future of Southern Africa’s adventure tourism.
We have also added a Risk, Safety and Incident Management Toolkit, which broadens the arsenal of existing resources. Currently, the resource library includes a Self-Regulation Road Map, a General Code of Good Practice Guide and Checklist, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Participant Care.
First-of-its-kind self-assessment tool and updated resources
In another exciting development, we have introduced a Self-Assessment Tool for adventure operators in Southern Africa. The tool is designed to measure alignment with global best practices. It is freely available and provides operators with a detailed benchmark of their operations across key areas, including safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Operators who complete the assessment will also receive tailored feedback. In addition, they will get practical tips and links to additional resources – all at no cost.
In line with this, we have reviewed and updated all adventure tourism resources to reflect current international standards and evolving market demands. The full range of toolkits and the self-assessment tool is accessible via our website.
What’s really exciting is the level of industry input and buy-in. Right from the very beginning in 2023, industry experts really leaned in to offer their expertise and support. This includes the team at Dirty Boots, SATIB Insurance Brokers, and Nick Shaw, our Adventure Chapter Chair.
What makes the approach unique is its fluid, collaborative nature. The toolkits include publication and review dates. This allows for honest feedback, additional input and ongoing updates as standards evolve and technology advances. The framework actively encourages industry feedback and creates a living document that grows with the industry.
The new documents align with international best practice. They incorporate elements from ISO standards, European standards, Australian frameworks and input from the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Travel Life programme.
– Nick Shaw, Adventure Chapter Chairperson at SATSA
New benchmark guidelines and economic impact across
Adventure tourism plays a crucial role in South Africa’s broader tourism strategy. In particular, it addresses geographic diversity, job creation, youth development and tourism prosperity.
While traditional tourism hotspots like Cape Town and Kruger National Park have recovered strongly post-pandemic, other regions have not. Regions like the Eastern Cape – which have significant potential as adventure destinations – have lagged far behind.
There’s a reason this initiative is called ‘101 Adventures’. While New Zealand may call itself the adventure capital of the world, South Africa offers a far more diverse range of adventure experiences with superior products – closer to 104 at last count. We just need to position ourselves better globally. These toolkits are a critical step in that direction.
– David Frost, CEO at SATSA
Next steps
Alongside the launch of the “101 Adventures Southern Africa” toolkits and self-assessment tool, SATSA is conducting a comprehensive Adventure Tourism Industry Survey. The survey aims to better understand the sector’s size, economic contribution and employment statistics. All adventure tourism operators are encouraged to participate by completing the survey here.
A webinar is scheduled for 28 May at 12:00. It will guide operators through the toolkits, the self-assessment process, and how to attain certification. Regular quarterly webinars will follow to provide ongoing support and updates.
This initiative is about positioning Southern Africa as the premier global adventure destination. We have the industry will – now we’re creating a framework that will drive growth, ensure safety and spread tourism benefits to every corner of our region.
