The results are in! We’re pleased to announce the winners of the fourth annual Arival Spotlight Awards, celebrated during a special ceremony at Arival 360 | Spokane on 14 October 2026.
The awards recognize innovation and excellence across the global tours, activities, attractions and experiences industry. From helping more people enjoy cycling in France to supporting community-led tourism in Nepal, this year’s winners show the many ways businesses are making experiences better for travelers and the places they visit.
A panel of independent industry experts selected the winners across six categories. The competition was fierce: all of the finalists were incredible, and the selection committee expressed that this year was full of particularly difficult decisions.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists!
Arival Spotlight Awards 2026 Winners
Tour Innovator Award
This award honors tour operators creating innovative itineraries and unique ways to experience a destination.
Winner: The Little Green Boat — Curaçao
The Little Green Boat combines diving and sailing with opportunities for guests to contribute to marine science. Each outing is planned around that morning’s sonar scan of the seabed, with experiences ranging from fluorescence night dives to reef-listening sessions using an underwater microphone. Every guest records a wildlife observation, helping build a shared picture of Curaçao’s marine biodiversity.
Other finalists: 46° Balaton Borbusz, AstroTours.org and Overland Tours.
Attraction Innovator Award
This award celebrates attractions taking a creative approach to designing and delivering visitor experiences.
Winner: Railbiking in Greece — Megara, Greece
Railbiking in Greece has turned an abandoned railway into a seven-kilometer experience overlooking the Saronic Gulf. Guests ride locally designed railbikes past historic railway sites and World War II fortifications, with no cycling skills required and optional electric assistance. The attraction brings visitors to an area outside Greece’s usual tourism routes while supporting local jobs.
Other finalists: Battleship Missouri Memorial and Coral Crater Adventure Park.
Tech Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes operators using technology to improve the traveler experience and the way their businesses run.
Winner: Friends Guides — Mexico City, Mexico
Friends Guides builds its own technology with AI agents to support guests and its team of 20 guides. Its multilingual AI concierge answers questions using each traveler’s booking details and the company’s policies, while a guide portal simplifies daily coordination. The company also provides a free multilingual audio guide for the Frida Kahlo Museum, including full transcripts for accessibility.
Other finalists: Coral Crater Adventure Park and TouringBee.
18-21 October 2027 Insider Pro Access Members Save 20% The global gathering for the people who create, sell and shape travel experiences.
Inclusive Operator Award
This award honors operators making their experiences more accessible and welcoming to travelers with different backgrounds, abilities and needs.
Winner: Holland Bikes Tours & Rentals — France
Holland Bikes Tours & Rentals helps people of different abilities enjoy cycling together. Its adaptive options include side-by-side tandems, electric tricycles and bikes that carry passengers who cannot pedal. Its Île de Ré location holds France’s Tourisme & Handicap certification for motor, visual, hearing and cognitive disabilities, with adaptive cycling also available in Paris and Lyon.
Other finalists: Gay Hopping and TravelStorysGPS.
Social Purpose / Community Engagement Award
This award recognizes operators supporting local economies, empowering residents and encouraging cultural exchange.
Winner: Community Homestay Network — Nepal
Community Homestay Network connects travelers with locally hosted stays and experiences across Nepal. What began with one homestay in 2012 now includes 51 communities and 408 homestay households, nearly 80% led by women. Communities receive 80% of the revenue, while experiences such as traditional drumming, wall painting and woodcarving help keep local skills and traditions alive.
Other finalists: New Orleans Secrets and Panama San Blas Tours.
Industry Innovation Award
This award recognizes companies developing innovative tools and technology that help experience operators advance their businesses.
Winner: TouringBee
TouringBee created TouringBee Buzz, a free system that lets live tour guides speak to guests through the phones and headphones they already carry. Guests join by scanning a QR code, with no account required. By replacing radio equipment with a phone-based system, TouringBee makes guiding technology more accessible to freelance guides and operators with limited budgets.
Other finalists: Hub City Guides, Somos Viaje and TripWorks.
Celebrating Our Industry
Thank you to everyone who entered, our finalists and the judges who reviewed this year’s submissions. We were delighted to celebrate your work with the Arival community in Spokane.
Learn more about the Arival Spotlight Awards here, and make sure you get on the list to be the first to know when nominations and applications open for next year’s awards!
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