A «Quality-Safety» certification : the result of recognized expertise

For the past 15 years, Aventure Écotourisme Québec has been working hard to gain recognition for its expertise in professionalizing the nature and adventure tourism sector.

The "Quality-Safety" accreditation is a self-regulation for nature and adventure tourism businesses that was developed by Aventure Écotourisme Québec with the financial support of the Ministry of Tourism (MTO). To ensure maximum safety for tourists who practice nature and adventure activities in Quebec, the accreditation includes more than 60 minimum standards with rigorous criteria in addition to activity specific standards, technical training for guides, a business inspection mechanism and mystery visits to businesses following complaints.

It should be noted that our accreditation process is already recognized and cited by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) as a reference in adventure tourism standardization.

Aventure Écorourisme Québec, mandated to do the work

By asking Aventure Écotourisme Québec to complete the "Quality-Safety" accreditation of companies that are not members of the Association, the Ministère du Tourisme and the Government of Québec are thus recognizing the validity and necessity of the accreditation process for the professionalization of companies in Québec.

Financial assistance will therefore enable the organization to certify the 100 or so non-member companies through coaching, mentoring, tools and a field assessment of the companies by local advisors and experts.

This significant financial assistance is the result of the work of Sylvie Bernier, Olympic champion and author of the book Le jour où je n'ai pas pu plonger. Having lived through an overwhelming experience, she recognizes the importance of safety in our sector.

A Welcome Incentive for Customer Safety

The minister's announcement becomes an incentive for all nature and adventure tourism businesses. If these businesses wish to take advantage of government funding programs from the Department of Tourism, they must first hold the Quality-Safety certification.

The main objective is, of course, to encourage all nature and adventure tourism businesses in Quebec, whether or not they are MTO clients, to offer visitors from here and elsewhere a safe outdoor tourism experience that meets the collective desire to make Quebec a safe, world-class destination.