Adventure tourism review detailed

A review into the adventure tourism industry will look at ways to improve risk management across the sector.

The review was sparked from a letter sent to Prime Minister John Key by the father of drowned English tourist Emily Jordan.

Ms Jordan, 21, drowned in Central Otago's Kawarau River in April last year after being trapped underwater for 20 minutes while riverboarding.

Queenstown's Mad Dog River Boarding was fined $66,000 and ordered to pay $80,000 in reparation to the Jordan family after admitting two Health and Safety in Employment Act charges.

Mr Jordan urged Mr Key to look at better regulating the adventure tourism sector.

Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson today released the terms of reference for the review.

It will cover adventure and outdoor commercial services which were sold, but not purely recreational activities.

The review panel was due to report recommendations to the minister by March 31.

Ms Wilkinson said she wanted the sector to retain its "dynamism" but also ensure the best safety practices were in place.

"People come from all over the world to experience the adrenaline rush our adventure tourism operators provide.

"At the same time thrill seekers should be able to expect every possible effort is made to ensure their safety."

Interim reports were expected in December and January.

- NZPA