ISO 20611
ISO 20611:2018 provides international guidelines for sustainable tourism practices in adventure tourism and related outdoor activities. As global travelers grow increasingly conscious of environmental and cultural impacts, businesses in the tourism sector must adapt to responsible and ethical practices. Through ISO 20611:2018 certification, Quality Asia Certification supports tourism operators in aligning with international sustainability standards while promoting safety, conservation, and community engagement.
65% Cost Reduction
60% Sustainability
Customer Attraction
Increase Your Competitive Edge
What is ISO 20611?
ISO 20611:2018 is a voluntary international standard titled "Adventure Tourism – Good Practices for Sustainability – Requirements and Recommendations." It outlines the procedures, operational planning, and best practices to ensure that tourism operators minimize negative environmental and social impact while maximizing economic benefits to local communities. The certification ensures that the adventure tourism services are eco-friendly, culturally respectful, and economically viable.
Why is ISO 20611 important?
The adventure tourism industry is expanding rapidly, and with it comes the responsibility to operate in a sustainable manner. ISO 20611:2018 certification allows adventure tour operators, travel agencies, eco-tourism resorts, and outdoor activity providers to:
- Gain recognition for their sustainable and responsible practices.
- Align with global expectations on eco-tourism and ethical operations.
- Demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized sustainability norms.
- Reduce environmental footprint while improving visitor experience.
By obtaining ISO 20611:2018 certification, your organization takes a proactive stance in preserving nature, protecting culture, and empowering communities — all while building trust with global tourists and regulators.
What are the benefits of ISO 20611?
- Promotes responsible and ethical tourism operations.
- Enhances tourist safety and customer satisfaction.
- Encourages environmental conservation and sustainable resource usage.
- Aligns internal practices with global adventure tourism standards.
- Ensures cultural sensitivity and respect for local communities.
- Improves operational efficiency through sustainable planning.
- Fosters innovation in tour design, execution, and stakeholder engagement.
What kind of businesses can benefit from ISO 20611?
ISO 20611:2018 certification offers tangible business advantages:
- ✅ Improved Market Access – Certification helps attract eco-conscious international travelers, agents, and partners.
- ✅ Enhanced Brand Reputation – Gain trust as a certified responsible tourism operator in the competitive tourism landscape.
- ✅ Compliance with Regulatory Norms – Prepare your business for future environmental and social governance (ESG) requirements.
- ✅ Customer Loyalty – Build long-term relationships with clients who value sustainable and ethical travel.
- ✅ Operational Efficiency – Streamline logistics, risk management, and resource use to reduce costs.
- ✅ Differentiation – Stand out from uncertified competitors by proving your commitment to sustainable adventure tourism.
- ✅ Stakeholder Confidence – Assure governments, investors, and communities of your sustainability priorities.
Top Tips on making ISO 9001 effective for you.
#1
Top management commitment while practicing and accomplishing the standard is the key to success.
#2
Keeping staff informed about the ongoing practices, a well-communicated plan would increase the motivation and zeal of working in them.
#3
Making sure that the various departments of the organization work as a team for the benefit of the organization and customers as well.
#4
Review systems, policies, processes, and procedures for a smooth working of QMS.
#5
Speaking to customers & suppliers while getting feedback & working on improvements.
#6
Training staff carrying out the internal audits with the opportunity for improvement.
#7
Celebrate your achievement and use the QualityAsia Assurance Mark on your literature, promotional material, and website.
#8
Ensure continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating your quality management practices.
#9
Promote a culture of quality by encouraging innovation, accountability, and employee involvement at every level of the organization.
Why QualityAsia?
QualityAsia always vanguard in the auditing and governing of internationally acclaimed standards practices. At QualityAsia, we focus on driving the success of our clients through creating excellence with our trained professional auditors. The content of our service provision, comply with international certification rules defined by the accreditation bodies without burning a hole in your pocket. We will take you through the journey of audits with our best kept audit practices, viz.:
Initial Certification – Stage 1 (Preparatory Phase)
- Thorough documented information review.
- Exchange of information with staff through online or onsite presence.
- Identification of key performances, processes & objectives as per the standard requisites.
- Analysis of facilities, infrastructure, systems and processes in regard with the requested certification scope with a resource allocation review.
Initial Certification – Stage 2 (On-site Audit)
- Measurement, reporting & reviewing the performances against key performances objectives.
- Reviewing the suitability of the system meeting the legal, regulatory & contractual requirements.
- Operational control of processes, internal audits & management reviews while understanding the responsibilities for the policies.
- Conclusion based on prescriptive requirements, policy, performance objectives, staff skill, operations, procedures, internal audits, etc.
Surveillance & Certification Renewal
Drawing out the scrutiny on various aspects of the previously done audits on effectiveness while reviewing the various processes and control of the operations in the QMS and finally going for the recertification.
