Health and Safety has always been important in responsible adventure travel. While no activity can claim to be 100% safe, there are many ways to mitigate risk and adventure travel professionals are experts at that. The COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer of risk both in daily life and in travel experiences, so the Adventure Travel Trade Association, along with a team of technical experts, created the Adventure Travel COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines using international industry standards, public resources from the CDC, WHO, governments and tour operators. Cleveland Clinic, a world-renowned healthcare provider ranked as a top U.S. hospital in U.S. News & World Report’s “2019-20 Best Hospitals,” informed and advised the team throughout the process. The guidelines provide a common set of actions that can be used by a diverse range of travel businesses across the adventure travel industry.
Companies and Destinations displaying the ATTA COVID-19 Safety Badge, are stating that they are following these guidelines. ATTA does not verify operator compliance. We are entrusting companies to implement the guidelines correctly before using the badge.
While the current knowledge (July 2020) indicates that the risk of the coronavirus being passed on to others outdoors is reduced when people maintain social distancing, these Guidelines should be undertaken along with compliance with existing destination government guidance and requirements.
Companies should tailor their actual policies and practices based on their unique operations, applicable laws, regulations, and health standards in their locales, and consult with their own legal, safety, and financial advisors to develop a reopening guide for their situation.
Click here to view the comprehensive guidelines created for the adventure travel trade
If you choose to travel with a company that is following these guidelines, you may expect some of these precautions on your trip.
While the companies and destinations you visit are working hard to mitigate risk, you too have an important role in keeping yourself and others safe while you travel.
It is the priority of the ATTA, its members and those following our guidelines to reopen tourism with traveler safety as a priority. When travelers do their part too, we have the best chance of returning to the adventures we love and supporting the communities that depend on it for their livelihoods. Safe and healthy travels!