At Arival, we’re all about advancing the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences—and now we have a program to recognize the businesses doing BIG things in our industry. Is that you?
As the global research authority for tours, activities, and attractions, we see every day how businesses large and small are moving the in-destination experiences industry forward. You’re taking risks, you’re perfecting your product, you’re breaking down industry barriers, and you’re promoting eye-opening, life-changing cross-cultural exchanges. And it’s about time your excellence was celebrated.
That’s why we’re launching the inaugural Arival and Tour Review Spotlight Awards: to recognize the trailblazers and visionaries who are shaping the future of our industry.
Learn more about how these awards will work below.
How does it work?
We will be presenting the inaugural Arival and Tour Review Spotlight Awards in the Arival Theater, at Arival 360 | Orlando, on Tuesday October 10th, 2023.
There are two different types of awards: the Arival Tour Review Spotlight Awards, presented in partnership with Tour Review, which will be based on data aggregated from multiple major review sites, OTAs and millions of customer reviews across the industry, and the Arival Spotlight Awards, which will be based on nominations evaluated by an impartial panel of expert judges.
Apply or nominate someone now for the Arival Spotlight Awards:
The Arival Tour Review Spotlight Awards
The Arival Tour Review Spotlight Awards are presented in partnership with Tour Review, a leading review management platform. These awards will recognize the best of the best across a slew of categories within the in-destination experiences industry, from tours and activities to technology and online travel agency (OTA) support.
By aggregating customer data across multiple major review sites, OTAs and millions of customer reviews, we’ll be able to identify—and award—the operators who are consistently wowing customers.
That means the Arival Tour Review Spotlight Awards are totally impartial and independent, and solely data-driven—a first-of-its-kind award for the experiences industry. We’re letting customers decide (and there’s no application process to boot!).
While the awards presented in Orlando will be based on North American customer data (including Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.), we plan to present awards for other regional markets as well, starting with Europe at Arival 360 | Berlin in March 2024.
The Arival Spotlight Awards
The Arival Spotlight Awards will provide a spotlight on the global in-destination experiences industry, celebrating the very best in tours, activities, attractions and experiences.
The inaugural edition will include five 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 tour operator 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. The results will be announced live at Arival events, starting with Arival 360 | Orlando 2023!
Applications and nominations are open now for the following categories:
The Tour Innovator Award
Honors tour operators that demonstrate innovative approaches, offer creative itineraries, or have designed unique travel experiences that set them apart from traditional offerings.
The Tech Trailblazer Award
Recognizes tour operators that have demonstrated exceptional innovation and integration of technology within their operations to enhance the traveler experience, streamline processes, and introduce cutting-edge solutions in the travel industry.
The Inclusive Operator Award
Recognizes tour operators that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, going above and beyond to ensure that their travel experiences are accessible and welcoming to individuals of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and needs.
The Social Purpose/ Community Engagement Award
Acknowledges tour operators that actively engage with local communities, supporting local economies, empowering residents, and promoting cultural exchange.
The Industry Advancement Champion Award
Recognizes non-operator 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.
*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.
Recognize yourself or someone else in one or more of these categories? Submit an application or nomination now at no cost. Submissions will be accepted until the deadline of Sept. 15, 2023.
What’s next?
Nominations and applications are now being accepted for the Arival Spotlight Awards.
The deadline for submissions is Friday September 15, 2023.
Mark your calendar for October 2023. We’ll be presenting the first round of Arival Spotlight Awards at Arival 360 | Orlando on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. While you do not have to be present to receive an award, we hope to see you there!
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