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22 February 2023

Exploring the Great Outdoors

By SA Adventure Industry Association

Exploring the Great Outdoors: The Benefits of Outdoor Education and Adventure Tourism in SA

South Africa's stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and abundance of outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for outdoor education and adventure tourism. In addition to offering health and mental wellbeing benefits, outdoor education and adventure tourism contribute significantly to the country's economy and offer many employment opportunities. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of outdoor education and adventure tourism in South Africa, as well as the current legal requirements for participating in these activities.

Health Benefits

Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, or wildlife safaris can have a range of health benefits. Exposure to fresh air and natural light can be good for both physical and mental health. In addition, outdoor activities offer opportunities for exercise and physical activity, which can improve overall physical health, reduce stress, and improve mood.

Mental Health Benefits

Outdoor education and adventure tourism can also have a positive impact on mental health. Engaging with nature can have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and anxiety. Many outdoor activities require teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which can help to develop cognitive and social skills. In addition, outdoor education and adventure tourism can provide a sense of achievement and personal growth, which can contribute to a greater sense of self-esteem and overall wellbeing.

Economic Benefits

Outdoor education and adventure tourism contribute significantly to the South African economy. According to South African Tourism, adventure tourism generated more than R12 billion in revenue in 2019. This revenue supports local businesses, creates jobs, and contributes to the overall economic growth of the country.

Employment Opportunities

The outdoor education and adventure tourism sector offers many employment opportunities, particularly for young people. From tour guides and instructors to support staff and hospitality workers, there are many jobs available in the sector. Furthermore, many jobs in the outdoor education and adventure tourism sector offer opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Legal Requirements

Participating in outdoor education and adventure tourism activities in South Africa is regulated by the Adventure Tourism Regulations (ATR) under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003. The ATR sets out requirements for adventure tourism operators, including the need for registration with the relevant authorities, risk assessments, and safety management plans. It also outlines requirements for the training and qualifications of adventure tourism guides and instructors.

In addition, the National Road Traffic Act, 1996, sets out regulations for the transportation of passengers, equipment, and vehicles used for adventure tourism activities. All transport operators must hold a valid operating licence, and vehicles must comply with safety regulations and be properly maintained.

Adventure Tourism Regulations (ATR) under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003

The ATR is a set of regulations that aim to promote safe and responsible adventure tourism in South Africa's protected areas. The ATR applies to any adventure tourism activity that takes place in a protected area, such as a national park, nature reserve, or wilderness area.

Under the ATR, adventure tourism operators must register with the relevant authorities and provide a risk assessment and safety management plan for their activities. The risk assessment should identify potential hazards and risks associated with the activity, while the safety management plan should outline measures to minimize and manage those risks.

Adventure tourism operators must also ensure that their guides and instructors are properly trained and qualified. The ATR outlines minimum qualifications and training requirements for adventure tourism guides and instructors, which include first aid training, navigation skills, and specific training in the relevant adventure tourism activity.

Furthermore, the ATR sets out requirements for equipment and facilities used in adventure tourism activities. Adventure tourism operators must ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and in good working condition. They must also ensure that any facilities used, such as campsites or lodges, are built and managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

The ATR is enforced by the relevant authorities, which include the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries, as well as provincial authorities. The authorities may conduct inspections and audits to ensure that adventure tourism operators are complying with the ATR and other relevant regulations. Non-compliance with the ATR may result in fines, suspension or revocation of permits, or legal action.

Download the full Act here.

To wrap thing up...

Outdoor education and adventure tourism offer many benefits for individuals, local communities, and the South African economy. These activities provide opportunities for physical and mental wellbeing, personal growth, and economic development. However, it is important to remember that participating in these activities comes with legal requirements to ensure safety and responsible tourism. By following these regulations, we can all enjoy the benefits of outdoor education and adventure tourism while protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for the sector.