ISO 3021:2023

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 3021
First edition
2023-01
Adventure tourism — Hiking and
trekking activities — Requirements
and recommendations
Tourisme d’aventure — Activités de randonnée et de trekking —
Exigences et recommandations
Reference number
© ISO 2023
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Service requirements .4
5 L e ader s h ip . 5
5.1 Leader qualifications and quantities . 5
5.2 Assistant competencies . 5
6 Participants . 6
6.1 Profile collection . 6
6.2 Information analysis . 6
7 Equipment . 7
7.1 Equipment availability and quantities . 7
7.1.1 General . 7
7.1.2 Collective equipment . 7
7.1.3 Individual equipment . 7
7.2 Equipment maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing . 8
8 Participant preparation . 9
8.1 Information for participants . 9
8.1.1 General . 9
8.1.2 Knowledge of risks and responsibilities . 9
8.2 Participant instruction . 10
9 Safety and insurance requirements .10
9.1 General . 10
9.2 Prevention of risks and safety measures . 10
9.3 Communication . 11
9.4 Specific requirements for self-guided routes . 11
10 Risk management .12
10.1 Risk analysis and assessment .12
10.2 Hazard and risk inventory .12
10.3 Risk treatment .13
10.4 Emergency preparedness and response . 13
11 Service completion .14
12 Service control .14
12.1 General requirements . 14
12.2 Records . 15
12.2.1 Maintaining a registration system . 15
12.2.2 Suggestion and critical records . 15
12.2.3 Incident recording, including accidents . . 15
12.3 Procedures . 16
12.4 Critical service review . 16
13 Social and environmental mitigation and conservation .16
14 Route classification .17
14.1 General requirements . 17
14.2 Classification criteria . 17
14.3 Classification procedures . 17
14.3.1 General . 17
iii
14.3.2 Severity of the environment . 18
14.3.3 Route navigation orientation . 19
14.3.4 Terrain conditions . 19
14.3.5 Physical exertion . 20
14.4 Classification communication . 23
Annex A (informative) Hiking and trekking route classification reference table .25
Annex B (informative) Hiking and trekking route classification form .26
Annex C (informative) Example of hiking and trekking route classification .28
Bibliography .29
iv
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 228, Tourism and related services.
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v
Introduction
0.1  Adventure tourism
Adventure tourism is a global industry that is growing in importance. Whether provided on a
commercial, not-for-profit or charitable basis, adventure tourism activities involve an accepted,
inherent element of risk and challenge. Taking risks brings rewards but also brings dangers. In order
to maximize the rewards, adventure tourism activity providers should operate as safely as practicable.
ISO 20611, ISO 21101, ISO 21102 and ISO 21103 provide a basis for adventure tourism activity providers
to plan, deliver and inform people about adventure tourism activities as safely as practicable.
Effective implementation of these documents will help consumers and other participants make
informed choices about activities and providers.
0.2  Adventure tourism standards
The purpose of these four documents is to establish the minimum requirements for safety management
systems and information for participants.
The documents are independent entities since they apply to different aspects of adventure tourism:
— ISO 20611: provides requirements and recommendations for good practices for sustainability
(environmental, social and economic aspects) for adventure tourism activities;
— ISO 21101: specifies how the adventure tourism activity provider manages its operations in terms
of safety;
NOTE ISO 21101 – Adventure tourism – Safety management systems – A practical guide for SMEs is a
handbook that offers step-by-step guidance and examples to help small and medium-sized adventure
tourism operators to develop, implement and continually improve a safety management system following
the requirements of ISO 21101.
— ISO 21102: specifies the minimum requirements and recommendations for competencies and the
related expected results of competencies for adventure tourism activity leaders common to any
adventure tourism activity;
— ISO 21103: specifies the minimum information that shall be communicated to participant and
potential participant before, during and after the activity.
0.3  Purpose of this document
This document specifies service requirements and route classifications in adventure tourism involving
hiking and trekking activities, with the purpose of facilitating the safe delivery of these activities.
vi
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 3021:2023(E)
Adventure tourism — Hiking and trekking activities —
Requirements and recommendations
1 Scope
This document establishes requirements for adventure tourism involving hiking and trekking activities,
relating to the safety of participants, leaders and assistants.
This document also establishes criteria relating to characteristics and difficulty level for hiking and
trekking route classification.
This document applies to hiking and trekking activities that are offered as tourism products. Tourism
product design involves a product planning and development phase that is not subject to this document.
Some tourism products include hiking and/or trekking activities together with other tourism services
(e.g. transfers, meals, lodging), but this document applies only to hiking and trekking activities, the
additional tourism services being excluded from the scope.
This document is applicable to any kind of adventure tourism activity provider that offers tourism
products consisting of hiking and/or trekking activities.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 21101, Adventure tourism — Safety management systems — Requirements
ISO 21102, Adventure tourism — Leaders — Personnel competence
ISO 21103, Adventure tourism — Information for participants
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
adventure tourism activity
adventure activity for tourism purposes that involves a degree of instruction or leadership, safety
management and an accepted inherent risk (3.15)
Note 1 to entry: An accepted inherent risk means that the participant (3.14) has a reasonable understanding
about the risk involved.
[SOURCE: ISO 21101:2014, 3.35, modified]
3.2
adventure tourism activity provider
individual or organization having overall responsibility for all aspects of the provision of adventure
tourism activities (3.1)
Note 1 to entry: Adventure tourism activities can be provided free of charge or in return for payment.
[SOURCE: ISO 21101:2014, 3.36]
3.3
altimetric variation
altitude variation between two waypoints
3.4
assistant
competent person who is able to assist and support the leader (3.13)
3.5
difficulty level
rating or degree of physical and psychological exertion expected to be encountered while participating
in an adventure tourism activity (3.1), based on factors such as required technical capacity, terrain,
altitude or climate
Note 1 to entry: Annex A includes criteria indicating difficult levels of the activity
3.6
exertion index in hiking and trekking
estimate of the exertion required by a person to complete a journey
3.7
emergency
serious situation requiring immediate action
[SOURCE: ISO 21101:2014, 3.43]
3.8
first aid
emergency (3.7) procedures aimed at maintaining vital functions while ensuring that the condition of
a casualty who is injured or unconscious or whose life is in danger is not aggravated, until he or she
receives more qualified assistance for further treatment
[SOURCE: ISO 21102:2020, 3.7, modified]
3.9
hiking
adventure tourism activity (3.1) where the main element is walking and is less arduous than trekking
(3.24)
3.10
interested party
person or organization that can affect, be affected by or perceive itself to be affected by a decision or
activity
3.11
itinerary
description of the component parts involved in the adventure tourism activity (3.1), listing times,
locations and activities
3.12
leader
competent person who takes responsibility for people, and is able to lead, guide and supervise an
assigned activity
Note 1 to entry: A leader can also be referred to as a ‘guide’, ‘monitor’ or similar.
[SOURCE: ISO 21102:2020, 3.8, modified]
3.13
participant
person taking part in the adventure tourism activity (3.1) but not a member of the leadership team
Note 1 to entry: A participant can also be referred to as a ‘client’, ‘customer’ or similar.
Note 2 to entry: A leadership team comprises several leaders (3.12).
[SOURCE: ISO 21101:2014, 3.37, modified]
3.14
risk
effect of uncertainty on objectives
Note 1 to entry: An effect is a deviation from the expected. It can be positive, negative or both, and can address,
create or result in opportunities and threats.
Note 2 to entry: Objectives can have different aspects and categories and can be applied at different levels.
Note 3 to entry: Risk is usually expressed in terms of risk sources, potential events, their consequences and
their likelihood.
[SOURCE: ISO 31000:2018, 3.1]
3.15
route
course from the beginning of the adventure tourism activity (3.1) to its end
Note 1 to entry: In some routes, the start and end points are the same.
3.16
self-rescue
specific techniques implemented by a person on his or her own to manage adverse situations without
external intervention
Note 1 to entry: In some situations, there can be more than one person engaged in self-rescue.
3.17
self-belay system
self-connection system
safety device system, connected to the harness fixing point and connected to a safety point, made of
ropes or another connection
Note 1 to entry: The self-belay system can have the capacity to absorb impact forces.
Note 2 to entry: A safety point can be a leash, a sling or a lanyard.
3.18
single-track trail
trail (3.23) where only one person or bicycle can pass at a time
3.19
stakeholder
individual or group that has an interest in any decision or activity of an organization
3.20
support vehicle
vehicle intended for logistical support during the course of the journey, except for the
removal of an injured person
3.21
sustainability
state of the global system, including environmental, social and economic aspects, in which the needs
of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Note 1 to entry: The environmental, social and economic aspects interact, are interdependent and are often
referred to as the three dimensions of sustainability.
Note 2 to entry: Sustainability is the goal of sustainable development.
[SOURCE: ISO Guide 82:2019, 3.1]
3.22
third-party provider
external organization or individual that provides services to the adventure tourism activity provider
(3.2)
3.23
trail
narrow road, track or pathway, usually unpaved, in natural surroundings
3.24
trekking
adventure tourism activity (3.1) in a natural environment, on trails (3.23), which is self-sufficient for
survival, includes an overnight stay and is more arduous than hiking (3.9)
Note 1 to entry: Trekking activities can include an overnight stay of one or more nights.
Note 2 to entry: Overnight stays can be in, for example, campsites or camp grounds, farms, hostels, lodges or
bivouacs.
4 Service requirements
The hiking and trekking tourism product shall be designed and provided in such a way that the safety
of the participants, leader and personnel involved in providing the product is ensured and the inherent
risk is communicated to all stakeholders or interested parties.
The adventure tourism activity provider responsible for the operation shall:
a) ensure that leaders meet the qualification requirements set out in this document;
b) maintain records of the leaders’ continual development of competencies;
c) ensure that any service contracted to third-party providers that affects the quality and safety of
the tourism product meets the requirements of this document and any others that the adventure
tourism activity provider establishes;
d) ensure there are plans and procedures for safety checks of the equipment, gear and supplies
necessary for use during the adventure tourism activities; these safety checks shall be conducted
prior to the activities and the results recorded and made available for review;
e) adhere to the existing stipulations of use for the visited environment;
f) adopt the use plans or ecological area plans available when the attraction is in a conservation area
or in an area with some environmental restrictions;
g) introduce measures to implement and improve hygiene care, to prevent contamination to workers,
participants and the visited communities and to enhance health conditions in the adventure
tourism destination;
h) ensure that weather forecasts and any hazardous conditions are taken into account before starting
the activities.
It is important to monitor available information from pertinent institutions regarding hazard conditions
(see 10.1).
According to the characteristics of the place of operation and the offered tourism product, the
establishment of a maximum number of participants per activity shall be considered. When planning
and operating the hiking and trekking activities, the organization shall adopt responsible environmental
and social practices, such as the recommendations for conscious conduct in a natural environment (see
ISO 20611). The adventure tourism activity provider shall consider official health recommendations
regarding sanitary measures at the time to define a safe number of participants.
When planning the hiking and trekking product, the organization shall consider the carrying capacity
of the tourist attraction where the activity takes place. This can include reduction of the number of
participants, considering the characteristics of each specific route, defining protocols for the flow path
of participants and the use of common spaces.
For tourism products with hiking and trekking activities, the minimum age of the participants is
determined by regulatory authorities. If the adventure tourism activity provider offers tourism
products to children under the minimum age or to participants with disabilities, this product shall be
subject to planning that considers the characteristics, procedures and equipment necessary to ensure
the safety of those specific participants. These products can require professionals, equipment and
specific conditions other than those provided in this document.
The measures adopted shall be validated, technically justified and documented.
The route shall have been previously established and the itinerary shall be documented.
Hiking or trekking routes should be classified. Classification shall be in accordance with Clause 14
and shall be known to the leader, participants (and assistants, if applicable) and other stakeholders or
interested parties involved in the operation.
5 Leadership
5.1 Leader qualifications and quantities
The operating team, except in the case of self-guided routes, which are dealt with in 9.3, shall be
composed of leaders who meet the requirements of ISO 21102.
The hiking or trekking adventure tourism activity provider shall determine the minimum number of
leaders and assistants to ensure the safety of the group. These quantities of assistants (if applicable),
participants and leaders shall be documented, based on the implementation of ISO 21101.
Environmental concerns, including sanitary considerations, can require reducing the maximum number
of participants per group. If they exist, minimum impact practices should be taken into account.
5.2 Assistant competencies
The assistant shall have knowledge in order to act as support to the leader. At a minimum, this shall
include knowledge of the region, main route and alternative routes.
The assistant shall be able to:
a) instruct participants about hiking or trekking techniques and the use of equipment;
b) ensure the smooth progress, pace and cohesion of the group, including controlling participant well-
being;
c) support the leader in emergency situations;
d) use different communication systems [e.g. satellite phones, global positioning system (GPS), radio];
e) instruct participants about technical, hygiene and sanitary measures to improve safety throughout
all operations.
6 Participants
6.1 Profile collection
The adventure tourism activity provider shall obtain at least the following information from each
participant:
a) name;
b) telephone number;
c) document number (ID or passport);
d) emergency contact;
e) specific health or medical conditions, such as those related to allergies, surgery, diabetes, epilepsy,
cardiovascular disease, joints, bones, muscles, respiratory illness, depression, phobias, euphoria or
pregnancy;
f) medicines used;
g) age;
h) previous experience with the activity;
i) insurance coverage applicable to the activity and location, including rescue operations;
j) fitness level for the activity;
k) parental or responsible person consent letter, if applicable;
l) disabilities (if any) relevant to the activity.
In routes where there is the possibility of submersion, information about the participant's swimming
skills shall be requested.
Participants shall be advised to have an optional insurance appropriate to the adventure tourism
activity.
The adventure tourism activity provider shall encourage participants to provide detailed information
to facilitate responses to potential emergencies.
The adventure tourism activity provider shall ensure the confidentiality of participant information,
except under emergency response circumstances.
6.2 Information analysis
The adventure tourism activity provider shall do the following:
a) Define criteria for handling the minimum information of participants. The criteria shall be
technically justified.
b) Critically review the information provided to analyse whether a participant is able to perform the
activities. There shall be a record of this analysis. If a participant has a health condition that might
put them or others (e.g. workers, leaders, assistants or the local community) at risk, this participant
shall be advised to contact a medical authority immediately.
c) Ensure that participants who do not meet the established criteria do not perform the activities.
d) Ensure that relevant participant profile information is provided in advance to the leaders and
assistants involved in the activity.
7 Equipment
7.1 Equipment availability and quantities
7.1.1 General
The adventure tourism activity provider shall ensure that all leaders, assistants and participants
involved have all the necessary equipment in accordance with the requirements of this document.
Participants shall not use any equipment that has not been properly inspected and authorized by the
adventure tourism activity provider.
If the adventure tourism activity provider offers equipment to a group of participants, it shall be in good
working condition and clean. To maintain hygiene before, during or after each operation, the adventure
tourism activity provider shall implement cleaning procedures to mitigate potential contamination of
people using the equipment.
NOTE 1 It can be convenient to have some spare equipment according to experience of use on the specific
route.
NOTE 2 Special consideration can be given to participants about sharing of equipment.
7.1.2 Collective equipment
The adventure tourism activity provider shall perform hiking or trekking activities using at least the
following collective equipment:
a) guidance equipment (e.g. map, compass, GPS), where applicable;
b) first-aid kit that enables a leader to give first aid;
c) means of communication (e.g. radio, cell phone) with the group;
d) a support vehicle (if applicable).
Collective equipment shall be available to the group throughout the journey, carried by leaders or
assistants, the participants or a support vehicle. In the latter case, it shall be available to the group
when needed.
7.1.3 Individual equipment
7.1.3.1 Leader or assistant equipment
The hiking or trekking leader or assistant shall carry at least the following:
a) means of communication (e.g. radio, cell phone) that allows communication between leaders,
assistants and support vehicles, when available;
b) water container (e.g. canteen, hydration bag);
c) closed footwear suitable for hiking or trekking and additional clothing that ensures protection,
mobility and comfort in the visited area, according to the classification of the route, including
coverage (e.g. hat, cap, helmet);
d) backpack or other equipment that is not carried by hand, making it possible to carry the equipment;
e) whistle;
f) pocket knife or cutting tools (e.g. machete, cutlass, axe, hatchet);
g) flashlight and spare batteries;
h) watch and compass;
i) emergency food and portable water;
j) rope (if applicable).
NOTE Wearable gadgets or GPS devices, including devices to activate an emergency rescue, can be used as
additional equipment to improve safety.
Wearable gadgets or GPS devices generally use batteries; consideration should be given to the use of
green and renewable technologies.
7.1.3.2 Participant equipment
The adventure tourism activity provider shall ensure that participants use at least the following:
a) appropriate closed footwear for hiking and trekking;
b) clothing that ensures protection, mobility and comfort in the visited area, including coverage (e.g.
head coverage, raincoat);
Depending on the characteristics of the route (e.g. length, arrival time), the adventure tourism activity
provider shall ensure that each participant additionally has:
— backpack or other equipment that is not carried by hand, making it possible to carry small volumes;
— water container (e.g. canteen, hydration bag);
— flashlight and spare batteries;
— emergency food and potable water;
— survival blanket.
NOTE Participants can bring other equipment to improve safety during self-guided activities (e.g. thermal
insulator to use inside floor tents, below the sleeping bag).
7.2 Equipment maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing
The adventure tourism activity provider shall do the following:
a) Ensure that the equipment used is properly maintained and is up to date.
b) Implement and maintain procedures for the periodic inspection of equipment, involving preventive
and corrective maintenance, cleaning and sanitizing procedures. These procedures shall include
all equipment used in the operation, relevant to the safety of participants, leaders, assistants (if
applicable) and maintenance workers. Equipment shall be stored in an appropriate place, free
from direct sunlight and any chemicals, and in an organized manner. These procedures shall be
documented and include systematic and regular verification and pre-use inspection. There shall be
a record of the checks made.
8 Participant preparation
8.1 Information for participants
8.1.1 General
The adventure tourism activity provider shall provide participants with preliminary information as
defined in ISO 21103 prior to the sale. The adventure tourism activity provider shall also provide the
following standard and recorded information prior to the operation:
a) Description of the characteristics of the activity to be performed, such as duration, points and
times for food and rest, availability of potable water on the route.
b) Minimum impact procedures related to the activity to be performed, the environmental
characteristics of the practice sites, the main potential negative environmental and sociocultural
impacts and the corresponding minimization, mitigation and compensation measures.
c) Description of safety precautions and measures to be taken in case of emergencies and to prevent
potential contraction of diseases.
d) Identification of leaders and assistants (if applicable), their qualifications and function.
e) Rules of specific use of the area, including regulations, if any.
f) Necessary requirements regarding the appropriate clothing for each activity, especially the type of
footwear, type of fabric of the clothing and coverage, such as hat or cap.
g) Necessary precautions regarding the climate, including guidance on the use of sunscreen, raincoats,
warm clothing and insect repellent. For reasons of environmental conservation and sustainability,
the person responsible for the operation should either recommend that the participants avoid
excessive use of sunscreen, hygiene products and insect repellent or prohibit their use in certain
places.
h) Support points during the route.
i) Necessary equipment, food and beverages that each participant needs to bring to the activity that
are not provided by the adventure tourism activity provider responsible for the operation.
j) Presentation of the equipment to be used, its functions and relevant characteristics.
k) If the product includes insurance for the adventure tourism activity.
l) The type of route to be taken and particular route details; when the route's classification becomes
available (in accordance with Clause 14) participants shall receive this information.
Information shall be provided to the participant of any training, qualifications and/or experience level
required to complete the planned activity
It is advisable to record that participants have understood the information received.
8.1.2 Knowledge of risks and responsibilities
The adventure tourism activity provider shall provide each participant with a document that details
the risks and responsibilities inherent in carrying out that activity and any insurance coverage. Online
forms and documents are recommended.
The person in charge of the operation should emphasize the authority of the leader and the assistant in
carrying out the activity.
The adventure tourism activity provider shall keep a record of this procedure.
8.2 Participant instruction
Participants are usually instructed at the time of purchase or at the site of the adventure tourism
operation.
On site, the organization should inform participants about the route classification, if applicable
(according to Clause 14).
Instructions regarding the following shall be provided to participants:
a) placement, adjustment and use of individual equipment necessary for the activity to be performed;
b) forms of progression and communication in the operation, including the need for the group to stay
together;
c) prevention of any participant from getting lost or not being supervised by a leader or assistant (if
applicable);
d) behaviour during the activity;
e) specific care regarding the techniques of the performed activity;
f) basic measures to be taken in case of emergency;
g) actions to prevent potential cross-contamination of diseases.
It is recommended that a preparatory exercise is given to participants for warm-up purposes.
NOTE Observing a participant while doing a preparatory exercise can provide useful information about
their profile and behaviour.
9 Safety and insurance requirements
9.1 General
Leaders and assistants shall know in advance the general conditions and any changes in the routes
where the activity is performed.
Participants shall be advised to purchase appropriate insurance for the adventure tourism activity.
The adventure tourism activity provider shall ensure that there are suitable financial arrangements to
assist participants in the event of an emergency. Such financial arrangements may be provided by an
appropriate insurance product and be arranged either by the adventure tourism activity provider or the
participant. The arrangements shall include, but not be limited to, the following emergency situations:
a) evacuation from the emergency location;
b) medical treatment;
c) medical repatriation to the participant's home country, if relevant.
9.2 Prevention of risks and safety measures
In the case of narrow passages or steep slopes, specific procedures shall be adopted to ensure the safety
of those involved in the operation before, during and after the crossed obstacle.
Guiding and progression techniques shall be adopted to ensure the safety of the group and self-belay
systems used in places where there is a risk of falling, river crossings and waterways. On sections of
routes with a possibility of submersion, procedures or equipment that ensure flotation shall be adopted.
Progression procedures shall be established which:
a) include measures to prevent distinct groups from mixing;
b) ensure that there is a leader or assistant at the beginning and the end of each group;
c) provide special care in sections with:
— vehicular traffic;
— obstacles (including water hazards);
— animals;
— a danger of falling;
— meetings with other groups;
— slippery or wet slopes;
— landslides;
— a high risk of rural fire.
d) provide rest stops;
e) establish and control the pace of travel;
f) prevent cross-contamination of people during the activity, including participants, leaders,
assistants (if applicable) and the local community.
The adventure tourism activity provider shall ensure that there are procedures for participants who
hesitate or give up on the activity, in particular regarding safety.
The leader can decide to make stops to meet any participant needs (including those of participants with
disabilities), but this shall be done without compromising the operation’s safety.
9.3 Communication
Effective communication between leaders and assistants shall be ensured through a communication
procedure using, for example, beeps (e.g. a whistle), visual signs or radio, depending on the
characteristics of the location.
Effective communication shall be ensured between:
a) leaders, assistants (if applicable) and participants (including foreign participants, if applicable);
b) leaders, assistants (if applicable) and, in the case of specific adventure tourism activities that use
any of these, support vehicles or support base.
Participants shall be informed of the communication procedures between participants, leaders and
assistants prior to risk exposure.
9.4 Specific requirements for self-guided routes
Self-guided products may be offered, provided that the following limits are met with respect to
Clause 14:
— up to level 2 in the severity of the environment criteria;
— up to level 1 in the navigation orientation criteria;
— up to level 3 in the terrain conditions criteria;
— up to level 2 in the physical exertion criteria.
Even if only one of these criteria is rated higher, the route shall be conducted by professionals in
accordance with the requirements established in Clause 5.
Regarding the equipment, there is no obligation regarding availability of means of communication.
However, the adventure tourism activity provider shall ensure that there is an emergency response for
participants on this type of route.
The adventure tourism activity provider shall ensure that self-guided routes are properly signposted
and in
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