Active Tourism is responsible travel to foreign areas requiring physical and mental participation from the tourist and following the maximes of sustainability, protection of biodiversity and conservation of culture. Important elements are recreation and education, respect and contemplation, action, exercise and active involvement in company of an expert local friend, an academically competent tour guide.

The non-profit organisation active-tourism.org issues an official certification if the requisites are meet and also publishes a list of positively and negatively (Red List) certified tour operators.