IAVCEI Working Group on Volcano Tourism
Supporting Informed and Safer Volcano Tourism
Volcanoes have attracted visitors for centuries — for their cultural significance, scientific interest, and unique landscapes. Today, volcano tourism is growing rapidly, with increasing numbers of people visiting active volcanic environments worldwide.
This growth creates important opportunities for local communities and for public engagement with Earth science. At the same time, volcanic environments are dynamic and potentially hazardous. Visitors vary widely in experience, preparation and understanding of risk.
In January 2024, the IAVCEI Executive Committee established the Working Group on Volcano Tourism to provide practical, science-based guidance that supports informed decision-making in these environments.
Our Purpose
The Working Group brings together international expertise from volcano observatories, universities, geological surveys, park authorities and related institutions. Its aim is to translate volcanological knowledge into clear, accessible guidance that complements existing national and local protocols.
IAVCEI does not set regulations. Instead, the Group develops open-access resources designed to strengthen awareness, preparation and communication for those visiting or guiding trips to active volcanoes.
Key Deliverables
The Group’s first outputs are two practical checklists:
- Checklist for Tourists Visiting Active Volcanoes
A non-technical guide encouraging visitors to consult official advisories, understand potential hazards such as ash, gases, ballistics, pyroclastic flows and lahars, prepare appropriately for terrain and weather conditions, and respect restrictions in place for their safety.
- Checklist for Tour Operators
Guidance for operators leading groups in volcanic environments, focusing on hazard awareness, daily monitoring of official information, emergency planning, safety briefings, and appropriate personal protective equipment. The checklist is designed as a flexible template adaptable to different legal and operational contexts.
Together, these resources aim to reduce risk by strengthening preparation and communication across all actors involved in volcano tourism.
Members of the Working Group
(as of March 2026)
Leader:
Alessandro BONFORTE (Italy, INGV – Osservatorio Etneo, Tel +39.092.7165800, alessandro.bonforte@ingv.it
Members:
- Patrick ALLARD (France, IPGP)
- Alvaro AMIGO RAMOS (Chile, Sernageomin)
- Willy ASPINALL (UK, University of Bristol)
- Sara BARSOTTI (Iceland, Icelandic Meteorological Office)
- Beth BARTEL (USA, USGS)
- Costanza BONADONNA (Switzerland, University of Geneva)
- Richard BRETTON (UK, Legal expert)
- Salvatore CAFFO (Italy, Parco dell’Etna)
- Marta CALVACHE (Colombia, Colombian Geological Survey)
- Patricia ELFURT (Australia, Geotourism Australia)
- Nico FOURNIER (New Zealand, Earth Sciences NZ)
- Nobuo GESHI (Japan, Kyushu University)
- Hendra GUNAWAN (Indonesia, Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation)
- Andrew HARRIS (France, Université Clermont Auvergne)
- Jeff HUNGERFORD (USA, Yellowstone National Park)
- Devy KAMIL SYAHBANA (Indonesia, Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation)
- Ulrich KUEPPERS (Germany, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)
- Setsuya NAKADA (Japan, National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience)
- Chris NEWHALL (Singapore, Earth Observatory of Singapore)
- Joao Carlos NUNES (Portugal, University of the Azores)
- John PALLISTER (USA, USGS)
- Joali PAREDES MARIÑO (New Zealand, University of Auckland)
- Jon PROCTER (New Zealand, Massey University)
- Marcel SORHABURU ALOCER (Chile, Universidad de la Frontera)
- Stephen SPARKS (UK, University of Bristol)
- SULISTIYANI (Indonesia, Geological Agency of Indonesia)
Former members:
- Heather WRIGHT (USA, USGS) until February 2026
Looking Ahead
The Working Group will continue to develop guidance on risk communication, the role of observatories and scientists in tourism contexts, and examples of effective mitigation and best practice.
Volcano tourism will continue to evolve. Through international collaboration and practical outreach, IAVCEI seeks to support responsible, informed and resilient engagement with volcanic environments worldwide.