Applications are open now for the second annual Arival Spotlight Awards. These awards are intended to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers and visionaries who are shaping the future of our industry.
Tour operators, activity providers, visitor attraction companies and other experience creators are invited to apply for the following awards designed to recognize excellence in a variety of areas: the Tour Innovator Award, the Tech Trailblazer Award, the Attraction Innovator Award, the Inclusive Operator Award, and the Social Purpose/ Community Engagement Award.
A final category recognizes non-operator companies that are integral to the advancement of the in-destination experiences industry: the Industry Innovation Award. Finalists for this special category will be invited to take the stage at Arival 360 | San Diego during the Arival Experiences Innovation Showcase to present their innovation, and the winner will be chosen by the audience.
The Arival Spotlight Awards are presented alongside the Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards (more on those review-based awards here).
Learn more about the Arival Spotlight Awards and how to apply below.
How does it work?
The Arival Spotlight Awards is an annual event that shines a spotlight on the global in-destination experiences industry, celebrating the very best in tours, activities, attractions and experiences.
The Arival Spotlight Awards include six categories, which will honor tour operators, activities providers and experience creators and the companies that support them, who reflect the growing innovation, creativity, diversity, and specialization and technology within the in-destination experiences industry.
There will be three finalists awarded for each category, chosen by a panel of experienced and impartial experts: leaders in marketing, tour and attraction operations, research, technology and other aspects of the industry.
We will be presenting the second annual Arival Spotlight Awards in the Arival Theater, at Arival 360 | San Diego, on Tuesday October 1st 2024.
These awards will be presented alongside the Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards, which are awarded in partnership with Tour Review. In a separate process, the Arival TourReview Spotlight Award finalists are selected based on data aggregated from multiple major review sites, OTAs and millions of customer reviews across the industry. These data-based awards are presented twice a year, once in North America and once in Europe. (Please note you do not need to apply to be considered for the Arival Tour Review Spotlight Awards — all eligible companies are automatically considered.)
Nominate your company now for the Arival Spotlight Awards here:
The Arival Spotlight Awards: Categories
Nominations are open now for the following categories:
The Tour Innovator Award
Honors tour operators that ignite imagination by developing creative itineraries, pushing boundaries, and crafting immersive journeys that inspire wanderlust and lifelong memories.
The Tech Trailblazer Award
Recognizes tour operators that have demonstrated exceptional innovation and integration of technology within their operations. This award celebrates companies that have leveraged technology to enhance the traveler experience, streamline processes, and introduce cutting-edge solutions in the travel industry.
The Attraction Innovator Award
Honors attraction operators who demonstrate innovative approaches, creative design, or unique experience offerings that set them apart from traditional offerings.
The Inclusive Operator Award
Recognizes tour operators that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in their operations. This award celebrates companies that go above and beyond to ensure that their travel experiences are accessible and welcoming to individuals of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs. They actively embrace cultural diversity and promote social responsibility in their operations.
The Social Purpose/ Community Engagement Award
Acknowledges tour operators that actively engage with local communities, embodying a strong social purpose in their operations. These exceptional companies go beyond traditional tourism by actively supporting local economies, empowering residents, and fostering meaningful cultural exchange.
The Industry Innovation Award
(This is the only award for companies other than operators)
Recognizes non-operator companies* companies that are integral to the advancement of the in-destination experiences industry through their support, advocacy, tools, and technology for operators of tours, activities, attractions and experiences.
The judging will lead to the five finalists who will take the stage at Arival 360 | San Diego during the Arival Experiences Innovation Showcase. The winner will be chosen by the audience.
*Includes: Distribution / Reseller (OTA, Wholesaler, Local, GDS, Travel Agent, etc.), DMO or CVB’s, DMC’s, Technology, Marketing / Advertising Agency, Training & Education, Consultants, Association / Not for Profits, and others.
How do I apply or nominate someone for the Arival Spotlight Awards?
Nominations are now being accepted for the Arival Spotlight Awards. Recognize yourself or someone else in one or more of the categories above? Submit a nomination for your company now or share the link on to someone you think deserves to be recognized. Please note there is an application fee of $30 to submit a nomination.
The deadline for submissions is 9 August 2024.
Mark your calendar for the 2024 Arival Spotlight Awards! We’ll be presenting the second annual Arival Spotlight Awards, along with the Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards, at Arival 360 | San Diego on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. While you do not have to be present to receive an award, we hope to see you there!
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