Standards & Compliance

The ISO 21101 Series: A Complete Framework for Adventure Tourism Safety

January 15, 202612 min read

The ISO 21100 series establishes a comprehensive framework for adventure tourism safety. ISO 21101, ISO 21102, and ISO 21103 work together to ensure organizations have robust safety management systems, competent leaders, and clear participant communication. This guide breaks down all three standards and how they integrate to protect participants while maintaining operational excellence.

The Three Pillars of Adventure Tourism Safety

The ISO 21100 series comprises three interconnected standards that together form a complete safety framework for adventure tourism providers worldwide.

ISO 21101:2014

Safety Management Systems

The foundation standard establishing requirements for adventure tourism safety management systems. It provides a framework for organizations to identify, assess, and manage risks associated with adventure activities.

Applies to all adventure tourism providers globally

Requires documented safety management system

Leadership commitment to safety

Systematic risk assessment processes

Emergency response procedures

Continuous improvement mechanisms

ISO 21102:2020

Leaders — Personnel Competence

Defines the essential competencies required for adventure tourism activity leaders. This standard ensures leaders possess the skills, knowledge, and judgment necessary to guide participants safely through activities.

Compliance with legal requirements

Group leadership and decision-making skills

Technical abilities (navigation, first aid, rescue)

Risk assessment and management capabilities

Emergency response competence

Professional and ethical behavior

ISO 21103:2014

Information for Participants

Specifies minimum requirements for information that must be provided to participants before, during, and after adventure tourism activities. Ensures informed consent and proper preparation.

Pre-activity information requirements

Activity briefings and safety information

Post-activity feedback mechanisms

Applies to all provider types and sizes

Supports informed decision-making

Enhances participant safety awareness

Implementing the ISO 21100 Series

1. Gap Analysis

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current practices against all three standards. Identify areas where policies, procedures, or competencies need development.

2. Safety Management System Development

Build your SMS documentation aligned with ISO 21101 requirements. Include risk assessment procedures, emergency protocols, and management review processes.

3. Leader Competency Framework

Establish competency requirements for all leader positions based on ISO 21102. Develop training programs and assessment criteria to verify competencies.

4. Participant Information Systems

Create comprehensive information packages meeting ISO 21103 requirements. Include pre-trip documentation, on-activity briefings, and post-activity communications.

5. Integration & Review

Integrate all three standards into a unified management approach. Establish regular review cycles to ensure continuous improvement and compliance.

Benefits of Full Series Implementation

Enhanced credibility with clients, partners, and regulators

Reduced incident rates through systematic risk management

Improved operational efficiency and consistency

Better risk awareness across the organization

Demonstration of due diligence in legal contexts

Competitive advantage in tender processes

Framework for staff development and retention

Foundation for additional certifications (BS 8848, etc.)

Integration with Other Standards

The ISO 21100 series works alongside other relevant standards. Many organizations also align with BS 8848 for overseas expeditions, ISO 20611 for sustainability in adventure tourism, and ISO 31030/31031 for broader travel risk management. Together, these create a comprehensive governance framework.

Need help implementing the ISO 21100 series? Contact our team for a comprehensive consultation on adventure tourism safety standards.