The insurance industry has been quick to respond to the increase in deliberate exposure to risk in the context of adventure tourism. Although insurance is only one aspect of the possible applications of risk technologies, it has become a central element in the variety of contracts established between tourism operators and clients. This article addresses the question: who has responsibility for damages incurred when risk is actively sought in leisure pursuits? Initially we'll discuss risk-adventure in the context of the literature on risk and the regulation of adventure tourism in Brazil. Based on a case study of a tourism office offering leisure activities in nature, it proceeds with an analysis of how client safety is guaranteed in the network of relationships involving tourism market, insurance industry and State regulation. It concludes with brief considerations about the distribution of damages and responsibilities between tourism operators, insurance agents, clients and the State, with emphasis on potential changes in the scenario presently configured.
discursive practices; risk; insurance; adventure tourism