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The Future of Touring (2019)

The Arival Guide to "The Future of Touring”, produced by Arival in partnership with Context Travel, takes a look at the state of tours and touring from the traveler’s point of view.

This report is available to Insider Free and Pro Access Members
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Summary

Two transformative trends are driving a renaissance in tours. The first is the influx of new tour companies, concepts, and experiences that are enticing travelers and redefining the very nature of “tour” in tourism. The second is the rapid growth in independent travel, furthered by the rise of low-cost airlines, online travel agencies, and do-it-yourself booking apps and mobile travel guides. The in-destination industry has adapted to the demand from independent travelers who are adding day tours to their unpackaged itineraries with increasing frequency. From foodie tours and craft brewery experiences to tours by bike, e-bike, Segway or scooter, from tours that explore the classic sites in new ways or go deep into a particular topic with a truly expert guide and the Ph.D. to prove it, touring possibilities have exploded over the past decade. New Research on the Future of Touring In the midst of all this growth and innovation, the question of traveler satisfaction has become a key issue. While the tour industry now offers more options than ever before, it remains to be seen if the industry is actually meeting the needs of travelers, particularly in the area of experiential tours. The Arival Guide to "The Future of Touring”, produced by Arival in partnership with Context Travel, takes a look at the state of tours and touring from the traveler’s point of view. The guide, based on a survey fielded to 1,000 U.S. travelers, examines the role of tours in travel, what travelers truly want from a tour, and where our industry stands in meeting those expectations.  

WHAT YOU WILL GET IN THIS REPORT:

Successful tour operators will need to adapt their products to meet the preferences and expectations of today’s travelers. Here are six key things you’ll learn in this report:

  • How tours influence travel
  • Key characteristics and behaviors of the U.S. tour taker
  • What U.S. travelers want when they tour
  • Trends in tour group sizes
  • Key gaps in the marketplace that provide opportunities for new entrants
  • What the future of touring looks like

A final note: This is a work in progress. We’ve probably missed a few. So tell us what we’ve missed, or mistaken. Email us at [email protected] if you have a comment, complaint or a company to add.

We’ve also included each distributor’s regional focus and links to their website.

A final note: This is a work in progress. We’ve probably missed a few. So tell us what we’ve missed, or mistaken. Email us at [email protected] if you have a comment, complaint or a company to add.

 

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Membership Overview

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please contact us at [email protected] if you need personal assistance.

These are the terms and conditions (the “Agreement”) governing Your participation in any Arival owned and/or operated event, meeting, show, seminar, or conference, whether held as a live, virtual, or hybrid (both live and virtual) event (the “Event”). By registering for the event, You agree to these terms, which form a binding legal contract between the Event owner and host, Arival, LLC (“Arival” or “Owner” or “Organizer”) and the registered attendee (“You,” “Your” or “Attendee”). If You are registering on behalf of another individual, it is Your responsibility to ensure the person participating is aware of these terms and accepts them. By completing the registration on behalf of another individual, You are warranting that You have made the Attendee aware of these terms and that they have accepted these terms.

ATTENDEE PROVISIONS

Access. Your registration entitles You to access the Event for which You have registered. Any and all other costs associated with Your attendance shall be borne solely by You, and the Event shall have no liability for such costs.

Event Content. You acknowledge and agree that the Event, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to change any and all aspects of the Event, including but not limited to the Event name, themes, content, program, speakers, performers, hosts, moderators, venue, and time.  Some Event content may be recorded by Arival and made accessible to paid Attendees.

FEES AND REGISTRATION

Payment. The payment of the applicable fee for the Event is due upon registration. If such payment is insufficient or declined for any reason, Arival may refuse to allow You to access the Event and shall have no liability in that regard.

Event pricing varies based on company type. You are responsible for registering using Your applicable company type.

Taxes. The fees may be subject to sales tax, and value-added tax, or other taxes and duties, which, if applicable, will be clearly stated and charged to You in addition to the fees.

Electronic Communications. Once You have completed Your registration, You will receive Your registration confirmation by email. Please ensure that Your valid email is entered correctly on the registration form. Be sure to check Your junk email box, too, if any of Your Virtual Event email(s) are caught by spam filters. Arival shall not be liable for mis-entered email addresses or other data.

If You do not receive Your registration confirmation and fail to notify us by email at least 24 hours prior to the event, Arival shall not be liable if you cannot view the event live.

You will receive essential Event information for registered attendees electronically at the email address provided on Your registration form.

In addition, You will also be subscribed as an Arival Insiders Free Access member if You are not already a member, which includes notifications of future events as well as the Arival newsletter and other communications. If You would like to opt-out of any of these benefits, a link is provided in each email to provide the ability to opt out.

CANCELLATION, CHANGE AND REFUND POLICY

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected]. Cancellations outside of 60 days shall be refunded in full without an administrative fee. Cancellations received inside 60 days of the published event start date are subject to loss of all monies paid with no credit for future events. Registration fee refund coverage may be offered. Should You purchase a ticket with Global Refund Coverage (“GRC”) Arival shall not provide refunds for cancellations under any circumstance. All claims and requests for refunds must be submitted through the GRC program and will be exclusively handled and adjudicated by JSV Events Limited as the administrator of the GRC program. Cancellations not covered under the GRC program and due to illness or injury will be evaluated on a case by case basis only after the completion of the ticketed event. Name change requests and ticket transfers are subject to a 100.00 change fee. The currency of refunds and fees will be the same as the currency in which tickets are sold. 

Virtual Events. Please note that you are still responsible for payment if You do not cancel and do not access the Virtual Event. In no event shall Arival be obligated to refund all or a portion of the registration fee.

Health & Safety Protocols. Arival is committed to producing a successful, productive, and, above all, safe Event for all Attendees, Arival staff, and hotel staff. We establish on-site preparedness plans and health & safety protocols to allow each attendee to feel as safe as possible and reduce the possibility of COVID transmission. Final protocols will be determined by 60 days prior to the event and will be based on recommendations from national, local and other health authorities.

By registering for the event, you confirm that You will abide by the safety measures that Arival puts into place. Failure to abide by the safety measures may result in the cancellation of Your registration with no refund.

Policies for attendance at the Event will be subject to change as conditions change regarding Covid-19. A final determination of policies will be made no later than 70 days prior to the event start date. This provides You with one week to cancel Your registration if You are not willing or able to comply with the Event policies. Arival reserves the right to set the safety measures at its sole discretion.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the CDC, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

BY ATTENDING ARIVAL, YOU VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL RISKS AND AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS, RELEASE AND INDEMNIFY ARIVAL, ARIVAL’S VENDORS, AND SUPPLIERS FOR ANY AND ALL LIABILITY RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO COVID-19 INCLUDING SERIOUS HEALTH AILMENTS AND DEATH.

CONDUCT OF ARIVAL ATTENDEES

Each Attendee agrees that during Arival, he/she shall conduct themselves professionally and courteously at all times with respect to Arival staff, sponsors, and Attendees. If an Attendee fails to comply with these expectations or behaves in a rude or unacceptable manner, Arival reserves the right to terminate the Attendee’s continued attendance at the Arival Event and will revoke their credentials. The Attendee agrees to return the credentials to an Arival representative upon request and will lose all fees paid to Arival. Expenses resulting from this revocation of Arival credentials are the sole responsibility of the Attendee. See our full Code of Conduct here.

LIMITATIONS ON USE

By registering for an Arival Event ticket, you agree not to sell, trade, transfer, or share your access link and/or code unless the Organizer grants such transfer. If Arival determines that You have violated this policy, Arival may cancel Your access, retain any payments made by You, and ban You from future Events, in addition to any other actions deemed appropriate.

RECORDING, LIVE STREAMING AND VIDEOTAPING

Attendees may not record or broadcast audio or video of sessions at Arival Events.

UNETHICAL/NON-COMPLIANT BUSINESS PRACTICES

Arival reserves the right to deny participation to anyone who engages in or is reputed to engage in unethical or non-compliant business practices

ARIVAL SPONSORSHIP AND OTHER FUNCTIONS/EVENTS

The undersigned hereby acknowledges that Arival provides various companies with the opportunity to sponsor and host a variety of functions and social events during Arival (herein “Sponsored Event”) and that these sponsors pay an additional fee to host these events. To provide the sponsors with the maximum opportunity to host a successful Sponsored Event, Arival will not permit functions, social events, or gatherings of ten or more attendees to take place during the Arival event that would detract from the attendance of Arival attendees at any/all Sponsored Events. Exceptions for special circumstances may be granted if they have been previously requested in writing and approved by an authorized Arival representative. Therefore, the undersigned agrees not to organize, sponsor, or operate any function, social event, or gathering of ten or more attendees, either directly or indirectly, during Arival. If any individual, company, or entity breaches this agreement, the undersigned acknowledges that Arival shall have the right, to terminate the participation of that attendee, as well as any of its/their associates, representatives, and/or employees participating at Arival.

PRIVACY POLICY AND PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION (“PII”)

Please review our Privacy Policy here 

Your decision to register for an Arival event indicates your understanding of and agreement with our Privacy Policy.

Attendee acknowledges that Arival provides our sponsors with the PII of our Attendees/Attendees and hereby provides consent to have their PII included in the list provided to sponsors.  The data provided will be used by sponsor companies for the sole purpose of marketing the products and services of the sponsor companies and will not be sold, traded, or otherwise given to any other company or person. All sponsor companies provided with PII have warrantied that they are GDPR compliant.

FORCE MAJEURE

Should acts of God, acts of war or terrorism, pandemic, strikes, lockouts, labor disputes, inability to obtain labor or material, governmental restrictions or regulations, judicial order or other casualty or cause, not within the control of Arival make it impractical or impossible for the Arival Event to be held, Arival shall have the right, without obligation, to select an alternate date and venue for in-person events, and in such case Attendee agrees to participate per the terms and conditions herein.

 If Arival is prevented from carrying out its obligations as it pertains to the Event for which You registered as a result of any cause beyond its control, or such Event cannot be conducted Live or Virtually due to any cause, not within the control of the Organizer, (collectively a “Force Majeure”) Arival shall have the right to immediately terminate the affected Event without liability and shall be relieved of its obligations to Registrant.  If an affected Virtual Event is terminated due to a Force Majeure occurrence before the first day of the Virtual Event, then Arival will make every effort to reschedule the affected Virtual Event, and Your registration fee will be applied to the rescheduled Virtual Event. In such case, as the Virtual Event cannot be rescheduled within 60 days as a result of any Force Majeure event, Arival shall have the right to immediately and permanently terminate the affected Virtual Event without liability and shall be relieved of its obligations to Registrant.

For purposes hereof, the phrase “cause not within the control of the Organizer” shall include failures of a software or issue with the hosting or other required platform in the case of virtual events, or in the case of all events both virtual and in-person shall include fire, casualty, flood, epidemic, earthquake, explosion or accident, blockage, embargo, inclement weather, governmental restraints, restraints or orders of civil defense or military authorities, act of public enemy, riot or civil disturbance or commotion, malicious damage, sabotage, vandalism, acts of terrorism, or other similar activities, strike, lockout, boycott or other labor dispute or disturbance, inability to secure sufficient labor, technical or other personnel, absence of premises required for the Exhibition, failure, impairment or lack of adequate transportation facilities, inability to obtain or requisition or commandeering of necessary supplies or equipment, change in local, state or other law, ordinance, rule, order, decree or regulation, whether legislative, executive or judicial, and whether constitutional, or act of God and the words “act(s) of” shall include “threat of or perceived threat of”.

A Force Majeure event specifically includes the following:

  • If a local, county, state or national governmental authority issues any order or recommendation: (i) for individuals in the local government area of the scheduled Event to limit their time away from their residence or property (except for essential activities, functions, and businesses); (ii) for persons arriving at any airport from any one or more major cities or metropolitan areas (population greater than 500,000) to isolate or self-quarantine for any period of time (even if subject to certain exceptions) when the total of originating cities represents 5% or greater of total event attendance; (iii) to restrict public gatherings in enclosed spaces to less than 400 people in the scheduled local government area.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All intellectual property rights in and to the Event, the Event content, and all materials distributed at or in connection with the Event are owned by Arival or the Event sponsors or speakers presenting at the event. You may not use or reproduce or allow anyone to use or reproduce any trademarks or other trade names appearing at the Event, in any Event content, or in any materials distributed at or in connection with the Event for any reason without the prior written permission of Arival.

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to vest in you any legal or beneficial right in or to any trademarks or other intellectual property rights owned or used under license by Arival or any of its affiliates; nor does this Agreement grant to You any right or license to any other intellectual property rights of Arival or its affiliates, all of which shall at all times remain the exclusive property of Arival and its affiliates.

MEDIA RELEASE

You as Attendee hereby authorizes Arival to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs and/or video that may pertain to the Attendee —including image, likeness, and/or voice without compensation. The Attendee understands that this material may be used in various publications, public affairs releases, recruitment materials, broadcast public service advertising (PSAs), or other related endeavors. This material may also appear on the Arival website, web blogs, social media pages, and posts. This authorization is continuous, and Arival may publish materials, use the Attendee’s name, photograph, and/or make reference to the undersigned in any manner that Arival deems appropriate in order to promote/publicize Arival events. The Attendee hereby releases Arival, its partners, employees, contractors and agents, the photographer/videographer, and any other associated vendors from any and all claims or liabilities.

Use of Likeness. By participating in the Event, You acknowledge and agree to grant the Event the right at the Event to record, film, live stream, photograph, or capture Your likeness in any media now available or hereafter developed and to distribute, broadcast, use, or otherwise globally to disseminate, in perpetuity, such media without any further approval from You or any payment to You. This grant to the Event includes, but is not limited to, the right to edit such media, the right to use the media alone or together with other information, and the right to allow others to use or disseminate the media.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

Attendee and each of its agents, employees, and representatives, hereby waive and release any claim of any type or nature whatsoever against Arival and each of its agents, partners, employees, representatives, successors, and assigns, arising out of or relating to his/her/its participation in Arival or attendance at Arival, including, but not limited to personal injury, damage to personal property, theft, etc. Furthermore, Attendee for itself and each of its agents, employees, and representatives, hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless Arival and each of its agents, partners, employees, representatives, successors, and assigns from any claim, demand, lawsuit, or dispute of every type or nature whatsoever (including their reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred), arising out of or relating to his/her participation in Arival or attendance at Arival.

LEGAL

This contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado. The prevailing party in any arbitration or litigation concerning the terms and conditions of this proposal shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

Disclaimer of Warranties, Limitation of Liability

Arival gives no warranties in respect of any aspect of the Event or any materials related thereto or offered at the Event and, to the fullest extent possible under the laws governing this Agreement, disclaims all implied warranties, including but not limited to warranties of fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, timeliness, and merchantability. The Event is provided on an “as-is” basis. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the speakers, attendees, or sponsors at the Event are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of Arival or any employee thereof. Arival makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of any information presented by speakers, attendees, or sponsors at an Arival Event and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.  Arival does not endorse and expressly disclaims all liability relating to any of the products or services provided by speakers, attendees, or sponsors.

Except as required by law, neither Arival nor its affiliates shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential costs, damages, or losses arising directly or indirectly from the Event or other aspect related thereto or in connection with this Agreement.

The maximum aggregate liability of Event for any claim in any way connected with, or arising from, the Event or this Agreement, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise (including any negligent act or omission), shall be limited to the amount paid by you to Arival under this Agreement.

Miscellaneous

Arival’s failure to exercise any right provided for herein shall not be deemed a waiver of any further rights hereunder. Arival shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations hereunder where such failure results from any cause beyond Arival’s reasonable control. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect and enforceable. This Agreement is not assignable, transferable, or sub-licensable by you except with Arival’s prior written consent. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, and the parties shall submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Colorado courts. A party that substantially prevails in action brought under this Agreement is entitled to recover from the other party its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. Both parties agree that this Agreement is the complete and exclusive statement of the mutual understanding of the parties and supersedes and cancels all previous written and oral agreements, communications, and other understandings relating to the subject matter of this Agreement and that all modifications must be in writing signed by both parties, except as otherwise provided herein. No agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment is created as a result of this Agreement, and you acknowledge that you do not have any authority of any kind to bind Arival in any respect whatsoever. 

Global Refund Coverage

Research

Event Refund Program

Please contact us at [email protected] if you need personal assistance.

The Global Refund Program reimburses you for the Ticket Cost of a non-refundable, unused Ticket, less any Refunds if a Ticketholder is unable to use their Ticket due to one or more of the following reasons:

  1. Any serious Injury or any unforeseen serious Illness occurring to a Ticketholder which results in a Ticketholder being unable to attend the Event for which the Ticket is purchased. In the case of such Injury or Illness, the Ticketholder must be examined by a physician, who must advise the Ticketholder in writing not to attend the Event.
  2. Any serious Injury or any unforeseen serious Illness occurring to a Ticketholder’s Immediate Family Member which requires the Ticketholder to provide primary care to that person. In the case of such Injury or Illness, the Ticketholder’s Immediate Family Member must be examined by a Physician.
  3. Any serious Injury or any unforeseen serious Illness occurring to a Ticketholder’s Immediate Family Member that is considered life-threatening or requiring hospitalization. In the case of such Injury or Illness, the Ticketholder’s Immediate Family Member must be examined by a Physician.
  4. A Ticketholder receiving a positive COVID-19 Test resulting in the Ticketholder being unable to attend the Event due to a requirement to self-isolate. You must provide evidence of a positive COVID-19 Test.
  5. A Ticketholder who is deemed to be in a high-risk group and is advised by a Physician not to attend the Event. Ticketholder must not have knowledge of being in a high-risk group at the time of purchase.
  6. A Ticketholder’s death on or within 30 days prior to the Event.
  7. The death of a Ticketholder’s Immediate Family Member on or within 30 days prior to the Event.
  8. A Ticketholder being directly involved in a Traffic Accident on the day of the event that causes damage to a Ticketholder’s vehicle creates an immediate need for repair to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle.
  9. A Mechanical Breakdown of a Ticketholder’s vehicle within 48 hours of the Event, resulting in the non-use of the vehicle as transportation to the Event. You must provide proof of the Mechanical Breakdown, such as a tow truck or mechanic’s receipt or a police report.
  10. A Ticketholder who is on Active Military Duty having been deployed overseas at the time of the Event.
  11. A Ticketholder being directly or indirectly involved in a traffic accident en route to departure on a Common Carrier resulting in the Ticketholder missing transportation to the Event, provided that the transportation was scheduled to depart no more than 48 hours prior to the Event, and the Common Carrier was unable to accommodate the Ticketholder on later transportation which would arrive in time to attend the Event.
  1. A Ticketholder not arriving at the venue due to a delay by the Common Carrier used for transportation.
  2. Severe weather conditions result in the Ticketholder’s inability to attend the Event. The Ticketholder must be unable to reach the Event by car or Common Carrier. This does not include weather such as heavy snowfall with roads open, ice on roads, or abnormally heavy rain unless the intervention of authorities is involved. If the event is canceled due to weather, the Ticketholder will not qualify for a refund.
  3. Fire, burglary, vandalism, or Natural Disaster causes the Ticketholder’s home to be uninhabitable after the purchase of Tickets and before the date of the event.
  4. Fire, burglary, vandalism, flood, or Natural Disaster causes the Ticketholder’s place of work to be unsuitable for normal business practice after the purchase of Tickets and within 48 hours of the Event.
  5. A Ticketholder’s or their Spouse’s job is relocated 100 miles or more from the Ticketholder’s primary residence. Accepting a new job with another employer is not considered relocation and does not qualify for a refund.
  6. A Ticketholder or their Spouse being laid off or terminated through no action or fault of their own, after at least 3 continuous years of permanent employment with the same employer. The termination must occur after the purchase date. Self-employed workers, volunteer workers, or any other unpaid workers do not qualify for a refund.
  7. A Ticketholder being required to serve jury duty or being served with a subpoena or court order requiring attendance in court the day the Event is scheduled, preventing the attendance of the Event.
  8. A minor Ticketholder being unable to attend an Event because the Ticketholder on whom they are dependent to take them to the Event is unable to take them due to one or more of the reasons listed above.

What We Will Not Refund

No refund will be provided as a result whether directly or indirectly of the following:

  1. Alcohol or substance abuse; or conditions or physical complications related thereto of a Ticketholder or a Ticketholder’s Immediate Family Member;
  2. Any general restrictions imposed on traveling or gathering as a result of COVID-19;
  3. Any consequence of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolutions, insurrection, military or usurped power, riot, civil commotion strikes, lockout, terrorism, malicious intent or vandalism, confiscation or nationalization of or requisition or destruction of or damage to property by or under the order of any government or public or local authority;
  4. Nuclear reaction, radiation, or radioactive contamination;
  5. Terrorism;
  6. Pollution or threat of pollutant release;
  7. Any unlawful acts committed by a Ticketholder or Ticketholder’s Immediate Family Members
  8. The Event being canceled by the venue or promoter for any reason (including bad weather);
  9. Lost or stolen Tickets;
  10. Dental treatment, except as a result of an Injury to sound natural teeth;
  11. Participation in any military service, maneuver or training exercise not overseas;
  12. Inability to obtain a visa required for travel;
  13. Making a false or fraudulent refund application or support a refund application by false or fraudulent document, device, or statement;
  14. Submitting your refund request more than 45 days after the Event;
  15. Any expected or foreseeable events not listed under the What We Will Refund section

General Conditions

  • You must provide sufficient documentation to verify your refund request falls under one or more of the reasons listed in the What We Will Refund section.
  • You must make all necessary arrangements to arrive at the event on time.
  • You must not be aware of any material fact, matter or circumstance, at the time the refund protection was purchased, which may give rise to a refund request.
  • You must take all reasonable precautions to prevent or reduce any request for a refund

Unless we agree otherwise:

  • The language of this document and all communications relating to it will be English; and
  • All aspects of the contract, including negotiation and performance, are subject to English laws and the decisions of English courts.

Definitions

  • Accident means an unexpected, unintended, unforeseeable event.
  • Active Military Duty means serving in the armed forces.
  • Common Carrier means an entity licensed to carry passengers for hire by air, or on land or water. Common Carrier does not include vehicle rental companies.
  • COVID-19 means Coronavirus disease known as COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 Test means any positive test for COVID-19 that can be evidenced and requires a Ticketholder to self-isolate.
  • Event means an experience or a series of experiences, with specified or expiration dates, that a Ticketholder reserves, registers, attends, or participates in such as sports, performing arts, camps, tournaments, conferences, lodging, specialized classes, spa treatments, or other similar experiences.
  • Illness means a sickness, infirmity, or disease that begins after the Ticket is purchased, which prevents the Ticketholder from attending the Event, and is not a Pre-existing Condition.
  • Immediate Family Member means a Ticketholder’s spouse, parent, child, foster child, stepchild or child-in-law.
  • Injury means bodily injury caused by an Accident, directly and independently of all other causes and sustained on or after the purchase date and before the Event Date.
  • Mechanical Breakdown means a mechanical issue that prevents a vehicle from being driven, a flat tire requiring professional roadside assistance, or a vehicle becoming inoperable. Mechanical breakdown does not include running out of fuel, the need for routine maintenance, or inoperability because of lost, unavailable, or stolen keys.
  • Natural Disaster means flood, wildfire, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, blizzard, or avalanche that is due to natural causes.
  • Physician means a licensed/qualified medical practitioner who is practicing within the scope of his or her license/qualification and who is licensed to prescribe and administer medication and to perform surgery that is appropriate for the condition and locality. A Physician does not include someone residing in Your home, an Immediate Family Member, or Your in-laws (parent, child, sibling), aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or legal guardian.

Refund means:

  • Money returned to You by the supplier;
  • Any credit or voucher for future events You receive or are entitled to receive from the supplier; or
  • Any credits, recoveries, or reimbursements You receive or are entitled to receive from Your employer, a credit card issuer, or any other institution.
  • Spouse means a Ticketholder’s lawful spouse as defined by law and includes civil unions and domestic partners.
  • Ticket means the registration or reservation required to attend or participate in an Event and paid for in full by You. A ticket is deemed used once the Ticketholder attends any part of the Event.
  • Ticket Cost means the total amount paid for one Ticket, including any prorated taxes, fees, and shipping costs. Ticket Cost does not include costs added after the refund protection has been provided.
  • Ticketholder means the person to whom this ticket is issued and has an incidence of ownership under this ticket. Ticketholder does not include a Ticket Reseller.
  • Ticket Reseller means a person or entity that buys tickets for the purpose of resale and includes any marketplace designed to facilitate such resale. Ticket Reseller includes ticket scalpers and ticket brokers.

THE “GLOBAL REFUND PROGRAM” IS A PROGRAM OF JSV EVENTS LIMITED WITH REIMBURSEMENTS MADE BY VERICLAIMS, INC. POWERED BY FANSHIELD INTERNATIONAL, LLC AS AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF JSV EVENTS LIMITED (REGISTRATION NO 10712264)

Arival Code of Conduct

Conferences and Community spaces

At Arival, we believe travel can make the world a better place. Our mission is to establish and inspire a diverse community of individuals and companies in the In-destination Industry by providing opportunities to gain insight, share knowledge and build connections. To make it possible for true collaboration, creativity, innovation, and idea exchange to thrive, we are committed to facilitating a welcoming and respectful community for all. This Conference Code of Conduct shares our community expectations and applies to all attendees, employees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and other participants at Arival- produced and sponsored events. We empower all participants in our community to actively engage in creating a friendly, inclusive and safe environment for all.

Arival’s core values include the following, and create an expectation for conduct at our events:

We demonstrate a deep respect for human beings inside and outside our company and for the communities in which they live.
We value integrity and strive to consistently interact with others in ways that are authentic, ethical, and fair.
We are dedicated to transparency, committing to clear, open and honest communication.
We actively pursue and advocate for diversity and representation of varying cultural backgrounds, perspectives and ideas

Arival welcomes people from all cultural backgrounds, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, religion (including religious dress and grooming), marital status, domestic partner status, genetic information, age, national origin or ancestry, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Accordingly, participants must refrain from displaying any demeaning, harassing, aggressive, or intimidating behavior or materials that would interfere with others’ experience and participation in our community.

If you witness or are subjected to inappropriate or disruptive behavior or have any other concerns, notify an Arival staff member as soon as possible.

Inappropriate or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Arival reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any party from the event at any time when participation or behavior create a disruption or hinder the event or enjoyment of the event by other participants. All determinations are at the sole discretion of Arival, and the decision of the Arival team will be final. Severe breaches of this Conference Code of Conduct may result in disqualification from participating in future events. Individuals expelled due to violating this Conference Code of Conduct will not be eligible for a refund or other consolation.

If you have questions regarding this Conference Code of Conduct or its implementation, please contact us at [email protected] or +1.720.410.9395

Welcome to Arival!

Arival is pleased to welcome all of its international attendees to the USA and would like to make the process as seamless as possible.

If you are traveling to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less, you may be eligible to visit the US without a visa if your country is participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Visitor Visa

Overview

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

  • Consult with business associates
  • Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
  • Settle an estate
  • Negotiate a contract

Learn more about  Business Travel to the United States  (PDF – 362 KB) on a visitor visa.

  • Tourism
  • Vacation (holiday)
  • Visit with friends or relatives
  • Medical treatment
  • Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
  • Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
  • Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Learn more about  Visitor Visas – Business and Pleasure   (PDF – 1020 KB).

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:
  • Study
  • Employment
  • Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
  • Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
  • Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
  • Permanent residence in the United StatesThese are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:
    • Study
    • Employment
    • Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
    • Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
    • Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
    • Permanent residence in the United States

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.

Complete the Online Visa Application

  • Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
  • Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

If you are age:Then an interview is:
13 and youngerGenerally not required
14-79Required (some exceptions for renewals)
80 and olderGenerally not required

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

Visa Appointment Wait Times

Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please click the button below to go to https:/travel.state.gov where you will find a helpful tool that allows you to look up Visa Appointment Wait Times by U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Look Up U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Prepare for Your Interview

  • Fees – Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality.

Click here to see all information about Fees for Visa Services.

  • Review the instructions available on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

  • Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
  • Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
  • Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
  • Invitation Letter: If you are in need of an invitation letter in support of your visa application, please email [email protected] with your full name (as it appears on your passport), your passport number, and email address. We will respond within 3 business days.

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

  • The purpose of your trip,
  • Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
  • Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant’s residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa, or if another category is more appropriate for your purpose of travel.  You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing.  The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the visa processing times to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.

Extending Your Stay

See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94.

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided (Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.

  • There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
  • A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Further Questions

  • Case-Specific Questions – Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select U.S. Embassy or Consulate for contact information.
  • General Questions – review Contact Us.

What type of Company Are You?

The diverse Arival community includes everyone in tours, activities, attractions and experiences.

Operator company types include: Active/Adventure, Food & Drink, Sightseeing, Cultural, Classes, Recreational and/or Wellness, Tour Guides and Tour Directors, Attractions, Resorts, Experience Hosts and Transportation Companies.

Small Operator

For companies that create, operate, or sell tours/attractions with LESS than $250,000 USD revenue in your last fiscal year.

Select

Med/Large Operator​

For companies that create, operate, or sell tours/attractions with GREATER than $250,000 USD revenue in your last fiscal year.

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All Other Companies​

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 all others.

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