first underwriting tour operator

I never got a receipt for my tour. Can Sunwing keep my $536?

B randon Marsdin paid Sunwing Airlines $536 for an ATV tour in Los Cabos, Mexico. But when he tried to check in for his offroading adventure, a representative turned him away. And then Sunwing kept his money.

Can it do that?

Of course not (and if you think the answer is yes, you’re probably reading the wrong site). Marsdin is baffled that a company could pocket his money and give him nothing for it — and frankly, so is my advocacy team . 

But we can fix that. Marsdin’s case leaves you wondering:

Are tour operators required to give you an itinerary when you pay for an excursion?

Can a tour operator turn you away if you don’t have a receipt, how do you resolve a problem with a missing itinerary from your tour operator.

We’ll answer all those questions — and more. But first, a few details about his missed ATV tour.

“My excursion was not valid”

Marsdin was on a Sunwing flight from Vancouver to San José del Cabo last fall.

“While I was onboard, I purchased an excursion through Sunwing’s onboard sales,” he says. Sunwing charged Marsdin $536 for four people to take an offroading tour in Los Cabos. It was a nice addition to his Mexican vacation, and he was looking forward to driving along the Pacific Ocean and enjoying the outdoors.

Although Sunwing had charged him for the tour, it didn’t send him an email confirmation. But Marsdin didn’t worry about that because he figured he could show them the credit card charge and everything would be fine. 

But it wasn’t fine.

When Marsdin tried to check in for the tour, a representative told him there was a problem.

 “My excursion was not valid,” he recalls.

“He wrote down my email and room number, saying he would contact me if something changed,” he says. “He never did.”

Marsdin never went on the ATV tour. But his real disappointment was still to come.

Can Sunwing just keep his money for a missed tour?

You might be wondering: Can Sunwing just pocket Mardin’s money? 

Apparently, Sunwing thinks so. 

Marsdin sent a brief, polite email to Sunwing asking for a refund. In response, he received a series of form letters like this one:

My apologies for the delayed response, we are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries and our response time is taking longer than usual. Brandon, I have read your letter and I am disappointed to hear of the issues that transpired in regard to your purchased excursion. Please allow me to explain that although our Destination Team do promote and sell the excursions, Sunwing does not operate the excursions as they are completed by a third party supplier. As such, any refund would have to be approved by the excursion supplier as it is indicated on the excursion voucher that all excursions are non refundable.

Marsdin patiently explained his situation to several people at Sunwing, both by phone and in an email. Sunwing kept going around in circles, first asking for a receipt he never received, then telling him that the tour operator would only refund the tickets if he had a valid medical reason.  Mardin kept having to explain himself, and as I read the correspondence, it seemed clear he was dealing with either a chatbot or a human agent who was relying too much on AI. ( Related : Where is the refund for my upgrade that never happened ?)

Although the airline promised to investigate, it never refunded his money.

“I would not have a problem paying for the excursion if I had chosen not to go on it,” he told me. “But the reason I didn’t go was through no fault of my own. I simply did what I was told, which was pay for it on board and approach a Sunwing representative at the resort to finalize a date and time.”

So is that kind of thing even allowed? 

Let’s start with a basic question. 

Yes. Since the Sunwing flight originated in Canada, the Canadian Consumer Protection Act would apply. It requires that businesses provide a receipt to you for any transaction involving the sale of goods or provision of services. The receipt must include the provider’s name, address, contact information, your name, a description of goods and services provided, the date of the transaction, the amount paid and any applicable taxes and fees.

In contrast, the United States has no federal laws requiring businesses to give you a receipt for a purchase.

A receipt or itinerary is particularly important when you’re dealing with a third party, which was the case with Sunwing and Marsdin. Sunwing was subcontracting with NexusTours, which ran the ATV tour. A review of his paper trail with Sunwing shows that the tour operator needed some kind of authentication — a reservation number or QR code — that verified he had paid. ( Related : You’re not so special! The hidden messages of the airline industry .)

Marsdin says a Sunwing representative told him that this was a common problem, so it’s something the airline was almost certainly aware of.

It looks like Sunwing had sent Marsdin nothing. It just charged his card.

But what about the tour operator? Could it just tell him to get lost?

Yes, it can.

And to understand why, you need to know something about local tour operators. Their reservation systems are often pretty rudimentary. They rely on bootlegged programs to figure out who paid and who didn’t. The smallest tour operators get emails with a list or participants. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them were still using fax machines.

So you can’t assume that a tour operator with a few ATVs is going to have the sophistication to have a direct connection to an airline partner’s reservation system. The representative needs to see your ticket in order to validate it. No ticket, no tour.

That said, the tour operator could have made a call to find out what happened to Marsdin’s purchase, but the time for that is long past. He returned to Canada months ago. ( Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about booking an airline ticket .)

(I suspect there was a fourth party involved. NexusTours is actually owned by Sunwing but operates as a separate company. There was probably another party that owned the ATVs and worked as a subcontractor of NexusTours, and that’s where the confusion might have happened.)

Bottom line: The ATV operator could turn him away, but it should have helped him instead of just taking his room number and then never calling him.

When a tour operator or third party fails to provide you with a receipt and itinerary after your purchase, what are your options?

1. Check your spam folder

Most receipts are generated automatically. That means they often get sent to your software, because your email provider tags them as junk mail. (Related: “Easily the worst airline experience I’ve ever had” — but can American Airlines fix this code-share problem ?)

2. Contact the tour operator immediately

If you don’t have a receipt, get in touch with the company right away and ask for one. If you didn’t get a receipt, there’s a chance your purchase didn’t go through. You need a receipt not just for peace of mind but also because you may need it for admission.

3. Check with your credit card company

If you made the purchase with your credit card, check with your bank or credit card company to make sure the purchase went through. Although tour operators sometimes accept a credit card statement as proof of purchase, you don’t want to take a chance. If you’ve been charged, you need a receipt.

4. Escalate your problem

Having a company take your money and giving you nothing for it is a serious problem. The sooner you fix it, the better. If the regular customer service channels aren’t working, try our list of executive contacts .

5. Most importantly, don’t assume everything will be fine

A lack of receipt is a serious problem and could present an insurmountable challenge when you are traveling. Do not assume this problem will fix itself. It probably won’t.

So what does that mean for Mardin’s case?

Will this guy ever get his money back from Sunwing?

So does Sunwing get to keep Marsdin’s $536 for a tour he never took? Not if our advocacy team has anything to say about it.

I contacted Sunwing on his behalf. A few days later, a representative contacted him and agreed to a full refund. 

I’m happy with that resolution and so is Marsdin, but I think the airline could have done better. A full accounting of what went wrong would have worked for me, including the other cases — and a promise to fix it. But as it stands, I expect to get a few more cases of lost Sunwing tours through this site.

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6 Types of Insurance You Need as a Tour Operator

We get it, insurance can be about as exciting as watching paint dry. But there’s nothing more sobering than realizing the consequences of being caught without it when misfortune strikes.

Every business faces its share of risks, but as a tour operator, you have some unique challenges to tackle. Running your business without proper insurance is akin to using a museum as a cat shelter – it might seem harmless until disaster strikes. And trust me, cats can break things. I know from experience.

Picture this: You have to cancel a tour due to a flat tire or inclement weather. If you run large tours, this could be a logistical nightmare. That’s why you need insurance. Here are six types of insurance every tour operator should consider:

1. General Public Liability Insurance: Think of this insurance as your safety net against damage to third-party property and bodily injury. Imagine if your tour vehicle crashes into someone’s property or, worse, injures a pedestrian. In today’s world of inflation, houses and medical bills are among the most costly expenses. This type of insurance is non-negotiable and is one of the first things that travel agents look for when partnering with tour operators.

2. Workers Compensation Insurance: Running a tours and activities business is no walk in the park. You likely have a team or, if you’re a one-person show, you’re putting in some serious hours. But what happens if one of your team members gets injured on the job? Accidents can happen to anyone – a trip over a cord could lead to costly compensation claims. Without insurance, you could find yourself in a financial predicament.

3. Commercial Crime Insurance: We trust our employees, but let’s face the facts – statistically, some employees pilfer from their employers. Imagine waking up one day to discover that an employee has been embezzling thousands from your business. For many tour operators, this could make or break their livelihood. Commercial crime insurance comes to the rescue, covering financial losses resulting from an employee’s theft or other misdeeds.

4. Cyber Liability Insurance: In the age of online bookings, you need to stay vigilant against a nefarious group known as ‘hackers.’ These individuals exploit online system vulnerabilities to steal client information, including payment details. While using a secure booking system like Rezdy helps, accidents can still happen. Cyber liability insurance steps in to help manage and mitigate the costs associated with data breaches.

5. Commercial Property Insurance: No matter where your business operates, there’s always a risk of property damage. Whether you’re situated by the beach with the threat of floods or in the city with fire or theft concerns, you must protect your assets. It’s unfortunate, but accidents do occur, and commercial property insurance ensures you’re prepared to handle unexpected costs.

6. Business Interruption Insurance: The scenarios mentioned above could force you to temporarily shut down your business, resulting in lost revenue. You’ve worked hard to build your business, and you don’t want to revisit the unemployment days. Business interruption insurance safeguards you against these financial losses.

In the unpredictable world of tour operations, insurance isn’t just a safety net; it’s your business’s lifeline. We’ve seen recently how those affected by wildfires and or flooding have been forced to cancel trips or refund clients. While insurance might not be the most thrilling topic, it’s undoubtedly one of the most vital aspects of running a successful tour operation. Don’t wait for misfortune to strike, make sure you protect your business today.

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Which Tour Operator Insurance Is Right for You?

Create the ideal insurance plan for your tour or activity business with this essential guide on all things insurance – from liability and property damage to all of the steps you need to take to create the optimate insurance plan for your operation

by Janelle Visser | 4 December 2023

Every tour operator and guide who’s been at it for a while has their fair share of horror stories. Guests getting injured or sick or worse on tour. Bus breakdowns, accidents or near-misses. In the course of my tour guide career I have already met almost all four horsemen of the apocalypse: (wild) Fire, Flood (and hurricane and blizzard), and of course Pestilence (running a multi-day tour in mid-March 2020 with the coronavirus closing everything behind us). At least I’m still alive: despite many questionable choices in the name of adventure, Death hasn’t caught up with me yet.

Embarking on the journey of running a tour, activity, or attractions company in the travel industry is an exhilarating one, offering unique experiences to travelers. However, the thrill comes hand in hand with a set of risks and uncertainties that can potentially jeopardize the smooth operation of your business. Your safety net — or parachute — in this adventure is none other than a well-crafted tour operator insurance plan.

In this guide, we will navigate through the many considerations of finding the right tour operator business insurance, and understanding the key coverage options essential for the protection of large and small businesses such as tour companies, activity suppliers, visitor attractions and other operators in the in-destination experiences sector. 

Don’t wait until the worst case scenario happens or the four horsemen of the apocalypse are bearing down on you and you’re finding cover to realize you have a dreaded gap in your coverage: prepare now to ensure you have the right insurance coverage in place!

In this article:

• Why Tour Operators Need Specialized Insurance 
• Liability Insurance
• Property Damage Coverage
• Business Interruption Insurance
• Commercial Auto Insurance
• Worker’s Compensation
• Errors and Omissions Insurance
• Commercial Crime Insurance
• Reputation of the Insurance Provider
• Assessment of Business Risks
• Budget and Premium Costs
• Policy Exclusions and Limitations

How to Ensure Comprehensive Coverage for Your Business: Introducing Arival ProShield

Why tour operators need specialized insurance.

Let’s start by unraveling the significance of insurance in the context of the travel industry. Insurance plays a pivotal role in providing a safety net against unforeseen events that could lead to substantial financial losses. 

For tour operators, the risks are unique and multifaceted, ranging from accidents and bodily injuries during tours to cancellations, weather-related incidents, property damage, even cyber liability. Managing these risks necessitates a specialized approach to insurance to ensure you have the right coverage when you need it. 

Distinct from regular travel insurance, which primarily focuses on the needs of the traveler, or general business insurance, which tends to use a one-size-fits-all approach, the right insurance for tour operators should be tailored to address the specific challenges, needs and circumstances faced by those designing and delivering a myriad of unique, immersive and Instagram-worthy experiences.

Key Coverage Options for Tour Operators

1. liability insurance .

Think of general liability insurance as the bedrock of your business protection. It shields you from potential lawsuits or claims made by clients in the event of accidents during a tour. Whether it’s bodily injury or property damage, this coverage is your financial safety net, ensuring you can navigate legal complexities and potential settlements without jeopardizing your business.

Imagine a scenario where a guest sustains an injury during one of your adventures. Tour operator liability insurance steps in, shouldering the financial burden of legal proceedings and potential compensation. General liability insurance is the security blanket that allows your business to weather unforeseen storms and continue thriving.

2. Property Damage Coverage

Property damage coverage comes into play when unexpected events like natural disasters, theft, or vandalism impact the property owned or rented by your tour company. This isn’t just about protecting physical assets; it extends to ensuring the uninterrupted flow of your business operations in the face of property-related incidents.

Picture a scenario where your tour office faces damage from a fire, rendering it temporarily unusable. Property damage coverage becomes your financial ally, mitigating the repercussions and allowing your business to recover and continue operations without facing severe financial setbacks.

3. Business Interruption Insurance

In the ever-changing landscape of the travel industry, business interruption insurance stands as a flexible shield. It provides financial support when your business is temporarily unable to operate due to unforeseen circumstances like pandemics, natural disasters, or political unrest.

Consider the impact of a sudden government-imposed lockdown due to a pandemic. A lot of small businesses in particular struggled a great deal under these restrictions. Managing your insurance program can be a considerable challenge under these circumstances, and business interruption insurance becomes your financial lifeline when cancellation rates go through the roof, covering ongoing expenses and lost income during the closure. It’s the buffer that ensures your business remains financially stable and ready to resume operations when conditions improve.

4. Commercial Auto Insurance

If your tours involve the use of vehicles, such as buses, vans or jeeps, commercial auto insurance is non-negotiable. It goes beyond personal auto insurance, offering protection specific to the commercial use of vehicles within your business operations.

Envision a scenario where one of your tour vehicles is involved in an accident during a guided tour. Without adequate commercial auto insurance, the financial ramifications could be immense. This coverage ensures that your vehicles, drivers, and clients are protected, allowing your business to continue delivering exceptional experiences without unnecessary disruptions.

5. Worker’s Compensation

Your team’s well-being should be paramount. Workers compensation is crucial, especially for roles like tour guides who are exposed to a variety of potential risks during tours. This coverage provides financial support for employees in the event of injuries or illnesses directly related to their work.

Imagine a situation where a tour guide sustains an injury while leading a group through challenging terrain. Workers compensation ensures that medical expenses and lost wages are covered, allowing the injured employee to focus on recovery without facing financial strain. This not only safeguards your employees but also contributes to the overall well-being of your business.

6. Errors and Omissions Insurance

In addition to general liability insurance, errors and omissions insurance, often known as professional liability insurance, is your shield against claims arising from alleged negligence, omissions or mistakes. This professional liability coverage is particularly relevant in scenarios involving misinformation about tour details, incorrect bookings, or oversights in service provision.

Consider a scenario where a guest claims they received incorrect information about the accessibility features during a guided tour, and is unable to join or complete the tour. Without errors and omissions insurance, the financial burden of legal defense and potential settlements could be substantial. This coverage ensures your business is safeguarded against claims related to professional liability, such as unintentional errors and omissions in your tour descriptions and guest communications, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional experiences with confidence.

7: Commercial Crime Insurance

It’s hard to think that someone inside your organization would ever do anything dishonest.  However, you may find it shocking just how often this happens. There are many conditions that can lead to an incident but anytime an employee has access to bookkeeping, bank accounts, credit cards, etc., there is potential for a damaging incident to your business. In addition to general liability and professional liability insurance, this coverage protects against fraud, theft, or other criminal acts that could potentially cripple the financial stability of your business.

Picture a scenario where an employee engages in fraudulent activities, embezzling funds from your tour company. Commercial crime insurance becomes the shield that guards your business against financial losses resulting from such criminal acts. By understanding and addressing potential risks associated with commercial crimes, you can fortify the resilience of your business against external — and internal — threats.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Insurance Coverage

First of all, you do not need to become an expert in all things insurance. There are two key components to choosing your insurance coverage: your insurance advisor, agent or broker, and the insurance carrier or underwriter. For operators of tours, activities and attractions, finding a reliable insurance advisor to work with, ideally one who is familiar with the nuances of the travel industry, is an important first step.

This advisor should help you navigate through the following steps of assessing the risks your business faces, finding the best policy tailored to your business for the best price, and ensuring there aren’t exclusions and limitations in the policy that leave you uncovered in the event of a claim.

1. Reputation of the Insurance Provider

Choosing a reputable and well-regarded insurance advisor is crucial for the success of your insurance program. The reliability of your insurance agent can impact the efficiency of claims processing, the clarity of policy terms, and the overall experience of managing your insurance program.

Research potential partners thoroughly, checking reviews, ratings, and past claim experiences. Ask how many clients they work with that have similar operations as you. Reach out to other businesses in the tours, activities and attractions sector for recommendations and insights on who they have worked with. A reputable insurance provider not only offers financial protection but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your business is in capable hands when it comes to risk management.

2. Assessment of Business Risks

Your insurance advisor should help you understand the specific risks your business faces, and ensure your policy is tailored to provide effective insurance coverage based on the unique challenges inherent to your business. This assessment takes into account factors such as geographical location, types of tours offered, and the scale of operations — small businesses may have different needs than larger ones. 

For instance, if your tours involve water or aerial activities, the risk profile will differ significantly from a company specializing in historical walking tours. By understanding and analyzing these risks, your insurance agent should guide you to make informed decisions about the types and levels of coverage needed to safeguard your business effectively.

3. Budget and Premium Costs

How much does tour operator insurance cost? This can vary depending on your specific needs and requirements. While comprehensive coverage is crucial, it’s equally important to balance coverage needs with budget constraints. No one wants to pay any more money for insurance than they must. Your insurance agent should help you to evaluate insurance quotes carefully, considering both coverage and premium costs. Recognize that under-insuring could leave your business vulnerable, while over-insuring may strain your budget unnecessarily.

Explore different tour insurance coverage options and discuss your budgetary constraints with your insurance agent to find a balance that meets your financial capabilities without compromising the effectiveness of your coverage. Remember, the goal is to ensure adequate protection for your business without unnecessary financial strain.

4. Policy Exclusions and Limitations

One of the reasons it’s so important to work with an insurance agent familiar with tourism operator insurance is so they can ensure your policy covers what you need it to. The last time you want to find out your parachute has holes in it is when the plane is going down! A thorough understanding of what is not covered under your policy is as important as understanding what is covered. Policies often come with exclusions and limitations that may impact the effectiveness of your coverage. 

For instance, some policies may have exclusions related to specific types of activities or events, or to specific locations. If you add a new tour type that involves a mountain biking component, does your current operator insurance cover that? If you’re a U.S.-based tour company operating primarily in Florida, does your policy include tours to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands? 

For this reason, it’s imperative that your advisor understands your business, knows the insurance market and has relationships with the limited number of carriers that will underwrite your unique business, and you can trust to make sure is able to design and provide an adequate parachute. You should be able to fully trust that your insurance advisor is acting in your best interest and making sure you are getting appropriate coverage at a fair price.

Navigating the complexities of insurance for tour operators is paramount for the sustained success of your business. From professional liability to business interruption, from bodily injury to cyber liability, there are so many factors to consider. But proper, flexible, customized insurance can be notoriously difficult for tour and activity operators to find. 

For a while now, Arival has been working behind the scenes on a way to help operators in our industry struggling with insurance challenges. Recently, we launched Arival ProShield for U.S. operators, a comprehensive insurance product specifically tailored for tour, activity, and attractions businesses, offered in partnership with Granite Insurance. Learn more about this insurance product, available exclusively to Arival Insider Pro Access members, here .

As you embark on this journey of finding and choosing the right insurance coverage, consider the key takeaways: partner with a reliable insurance provider, understand your risks, and choose comprehensive coverage that’s tailored for your specific needs. 

Or in other words, whatever you do and whoever you do it with, remember: always use protection .

Photo credits: Pexels / Quang Nguyen Vinh, Pixabay, Mati Mango, Tim Mossholder, Arthouse Studio, Vika Glitter, Vlad Deep, APG Graphics, Greg Rosenke.

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Insurance solutions for tour operators and travel agents.

Start your journey with us today. call us on 0800 062 2028, start your journey today., travel agents & tour operators' liability insurance.

This can include tour operators’ liability insurance, including liabilities arising from The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.

With over 30 years’ experience as an independent insurance broker for travel agents and tour operators, we can arrange competitively priced insurance for any business, from small, single-proprietor firms to large UK companies.

We specialise in travel businesses

Because we specialise in insurance for travel companies, we know just how complex your risks can be. Over the years, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by tour companies and travel agencies , and can advise you about the types and you may need to protect your business.

Relationships with travel underwriters

Thanks to our long-standing experience arranging insurance for travel agents and tour operators, we’ve developed strong relationships with some of the leading travel underwriters. As a result, we can arrange wide-ranging and competitive insurance solutions for both travel agents and tour operators – suitable for your business.

Insurance for travel businesses can include travel agent’s and/or tour operator’s liability insurance, scheduled airline failure insurance (SAFI insurance), travel bonds (ATOL, ABTA, CPT, IATA, Airline), public liability & employer's liability insurance and product liability cover. It can also include cyber liability insurance, directors’ & officers’ liability cover, supplier failure credit insurance and office/shop/commercial combined insurance.

Travel Agents & Tour Operators Insurance

• 30+ years specialising in insurance for travel agencies & tour operators
• Helpful advice about the type & level of insurance you need
• Cover your liabilities under The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992
• Long-standing relationships with travel underwriters

We can arrange insurance which covers liabilities to the public and employees, as well as cover for claims arising from errors/omissions in client bookings. And our insurance for tour operators covers legal liabilities arising from The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 (including liability for suppliers’ actions). For further information please contact us.

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Our Tour Operators Liability team have decades of experience in this specialist area. Our in-house capacity to underwrite the majority of risks in the travel sector without referral to Insurers gives you direct access to decision makers giving quick answers to even some of the most difficult risks. This allows us to offer a first class service backed up by real expertise.

We provide solutions for;

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Alongside our A rated capacity, we offer bespoke Polices that can cover:

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To learn more about this product please contact us and our team will be happy to discuss and explain in more detail.

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Tour operator insurance: 5 considerations to protect your business

When starting a new tour business, one of the most vital steps is protecting your assets. To do so, you will need liability insurance.

While liability insurance is essential, as a new tour operator you may be wondering what you need coverage for and how much it will cost.

In this post, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of liability insurance as well as what you should consider.

Disclaimer – Before we dive in, this post is designed to be a general primer into liability insurance for tour operators. For specific details and questions about different policies, we recommend reaching out to your insurance agent or lawyer.

• What is tour operator insurance?

What types of insurance do I need for my tour business?

How much does liability insurance cost, the 6 most popular types of liability insurance, how to vet tour operator insurance providers, additional best practices for protecting your business, what is tour operator insurance .

Tour operator insurance is a specialized type of insurance designed to protect tour operators as well as travel agents that organize and sell travel packages. It typically covers risks associated with travel planning and execution, such as trip cancellations, delays, supplier failures, and liability issues. This insurance is important because it protects tour operators from significant financial losses and legal liabilities that can arise from unforeseen events or accidents during the tours they organize, ensuring business continuity and customer trust.

If you are thinking about starting or have recently launched a tour business, you may be wondering what to insure and if have enough insurance to cover all of your assets. Let’s get the nitty gritty insurance details out of the way so can focus on the joy of sharing an adventure you love with your guests.

Every business has a unique set of liabilities, so deciding which liability insurance you need comes down to asking yourself this:

What could possibly go wrong and how can I mitigate damage?

While brainstorming “worst-case scenarios” isn’t fun, isn’t it better to have a plan in place if something does go awry?

Here are some examples of potential questions to think through:

• Who will replace the kayak that fell off your rig while transporting the fleet?
• Who covers the emergency medical costs if a customer breaks his leg on your zipline tour and later files a lawsuit to recoup the money he is out from medical bills?
• What happens if one of your tour guides gets COVID-19 after being exposed on a tour?

Deciding what type of coverage you require when you first launch your business will allow you to focus more time on providing a great guest experience.

Keep in mind that most policies are for an entire year, even if your business is seasonal. This is a benefit since your equipment will be covered in the event of loss or damage during the off-season.

In addition, your state may have specific insurance required for your type of tour. For example, Washington state requires workers’ compensation through the Department of Labor and Industries. Additionally, they require minimum coverage for business vehicles of $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $10,000 property damage liability per accident.

The importance of carrying adequate liability insurance

Between 2007-2013, the canoeing industry suffered more fatalities than kayaking, rafting, and paddleboarding combined. Canoeing may seem like a safe enough activity, but this statistic proves that accidents do happen — and why emergency medical coverage is essential.

While a fatality is definitely the worst-case scenario, even a minor customer injury could lead to a personal injury settlement that is not only costly but time-consuming . One case could take years to settle.

Starting and maintaining a business is expensive enough. If you have a fleet of 20 canoes and they are stolen or catch fire, you are looking at a minimum of $5,000 to replace them. Liability insurance helps you eliminate that financial risk.

Your local insurance agency might be able to provide a basic policy that covers all your needs through one plan or with add-on riders. Still, tour businesses might need to have an additional policy through an agency that specializes in tour operations such as Excursion Insurance , CNA International , or XInsurance .

In addition, you should consider how much your assets (equipment and/or property) are worth. It is often better to consider a higher coverage amount that your business can grow into over being underinsured and potentially on the hook in the event something goes wrong.

The level of danger inherent in your business is also a factor. Adventurous activities will require comprehensive policies that cover emergency care and so on. For example, a kayak rental business or walking tour will have lower premiums than a scuba diving business or an axe-throwing venue.

Pro Tip: The average annual plan cost for $1 million in coverage for a tour operator is $350-$700.

There’s a wide variety of liability insurance types offering different levels of coverage depending on the businesses they protect.

Ask your insurance agent to customize your insurance policy or policy package to your specific needs.

1. General/business liability insurance

General/business liability is imperative.

This covers legal fees for customer injury and property loss.

The kayak that fell off your rig? This covers the replacement cost.

This insurance will also cover legal fees to sue for less likely events such as copyright infringement or slander from a competitor.

Perhaps most interesting right now, as many small businesses navigate uncertain times due to the pandemic, is that general/business liability insurance includes legal and relocation fees if your business is wrongfully evicted from a rented building or property.

Here are a few things to consider when looking for the best liability insurance provider:

• Adequate coverage: Ensure that the insurance policy provides sufficient coverage for the risks and liabilities specific to your tour or attraction operations. Assess the nature of your business activities, the number of participants, and the associated risks to determine the appropriate coverage limits.
• Comprehensive policy: Look for a comprehensive insurance policy that covers a wide range of risks, including bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and advertising injury.
• Certificate of insurance: Request and keep updated certificates of insurance from any subcontractors or vendors you work with. This verifies that they have adequate liability coverage, protecting both parties in case of any incidents or accidents.

2. Auto liability insurance

If you provide transportation for your customers, auto liability will cover both owned and rented vehicles beyond the scope of personal auto policies.

Whether you are transporting paddleboarders to your favorite cove at sunrise in Florida or sunset in California, auto liability covers what you are accustomed to with your personal auto policy, only with higher weight restrictions and limits of liability.

When your business vehicles are insured, any employee may drive. This will allow you to take multiple vehicles (i.e. more customers) on each excursion or have one employee shuttle customers while the other remains on location.

Consider the following before choosing an auto liability insurance policy:

• Commercial auto policy: Look for a commercial auto insurance policy specifically designed for business vehicles. This type of policy provides coverage for accidents, injuries, property damage, and other liabilities that may arise from the use of vehicles in your tour and attraction operations.
• Hired and non-owned auto Coverage: If your business involves renting or using vehicles that you do not own, consider adding hired and non-owned auto coverage to your policy. This coverage extends liability protection to vehicles you rent or borrow for business purposes.
• Driver qualifications: Establish clear driver qualification standards. Ensure that your drivers meet the requirements for your auto liability insurance. This may include age restrictions, valid driver’s licenses, clean driving records, and any specific training or certification requirements.

3. Watercraft liability insurance

Whether the watercraft has a motor or not, this insurance is mandatory in most states for watercraft operators, so ensure it is covered in your general/business liability policy or an add-on rider.

This will cover emergency medical costs for customer injury specific to the watercraft as well as the loss of or damage to personal belongings.

Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you research watercraft liability insurance:

• Vessel types: First, you’ll need to determine the types of vessels your company will use. Then, verify that your insurance policy covers that specific type of vessel, which can range from motorized boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, or paddle craft.
• Passenger capacity: Assess the passenger capacity of each boat and confirm that the insurance covers the maximum number of passengers allowed on board. Compliance with safety regulations regarding passenger limits is crucial to mitigate risks and ensure proper coverage.
• Waterway restrictions: Understand any restrictions imposed by the insurance provider regarding the waterways in which you can operate. Some policies may have navigational limits or exclusions for certain high-risk areas.

4. Professional liability insurance

Here is another one that you’ll want to add if it is not included in your general/business liability policy.

This is for the mistakes you didn’t mean to make or changes you couldn’t help but make.

Nicknamed the “errors and omissions policy,” professional liability covers the accidents made through typos or data left out of a tour description. It covers legal fees for cases of misrepresentation (the artisan lunch promised is fried Spam sandwiches) or violation of good faith (a loyalty program was shut down or not allowed to be used as promised).

Keep this in mind as you’re choosing your professional liability insurance:

• Retroactive date: Pay attention to the retroactive date mentioned in the policy. This is the date from which the policy coverage starts and typically excludes claims arising from incidents that occurred before that date. Ensure that the retroactive date aligns with your business’s start date or the date you first purchased the insurance.
• Claims-made policy: Professional liability insurance is typically written on a claims-made basis. This means that coverage is triggered by claims made and reported during the policy period. Understand the reporting requirements and ensure that you report any potential claims or incidents to your insurance provider in a timely manner.
• Professional associations: Consider joining professional associations relevant to the travel and tourism industry. Some associations offer access to group insurance plans or negotiated rates for professional liability coverage.

5. Employer liability insurance

Many states require businesses to apply for workers’ compensation through the Department of Labor . If your state does not provide this service at the government level, adding employer liability will protect your business during lawsuits launched by employees as well as pay for employee medical care, disability, and even funeral in the case of a death on the job.

Here’s what to consider when researching employer liability insurance:

• Workers’ compensation laws: Each jurisdiction may have specific rules regarding workers’ compensation coverage limits, eligibility criteria, claim filing procedures, and benefit entitlements. Complying with these laws is crucial to protect both your employees and your business.
• Employee classification: Properly classify your employees based on their job roles and associated risks. Different job categories may have different insurance requirements and premium rates.
• Return-to-work programs: Establish return-to-work programs that facilitate the smooth transition of injured employees back to work after recovering from a workplace injury or illness.

6. Business interruption liability

Seattle, Houston, and Austin shut down due to snow for a week? Impossible.

But then, in February 2021, it happened and interrupted thousands of travel plans.

For tour operators with business interruption insurance, customer refunds due to business closures and trip cancellations were taken care of by their insurance companies.

A natural disaster is an extreme example, but unforeseen events happen all the time.

A rained-out performance or a lightning storm forecast during a water event is more common. While bad weather won’t cause weeks of cancellations, it is money lost.

Here are some practical tips and considerations to keep in mind when it comes to business interruption liability insurance:

• Assessing risks and vulnerabilities: Take the time to assess the potential risks and vulnerabilities that could interrupt your business operations. Consider factors such as natural disasters, fires, power outages, supply chain disruptions, or unforeseen circumstances that could affect your ability to serve customers.
• Waiting period: Keep in mind that most policies have a waiting period before coverage kicks in, so plan accordingly to manage your finances during that time.
• Business continuity planning: Develop a comprehensive business continuity plan that outlines steps to be taken during and after a disruption. Having a well-thought-out plan in place can expedite the recovery process and potentially reduce the duration of business interruption.

Use the following tips to ensure you’re partnering with the right insurance providers:

• Reputation matters: Do your homework and dig into the reputation of potential insurance providers. Look for reviews, testimonials, and feedback from other tour and attraction operators. Don’t settle for a company that leaves a trail of disappointed customers in its wake. You deserve an insurance provider that’s got your back.
• Tailored to your industry: Seek providers that specialize in serving the unique needs of tour and attraction operators. They understand the ins and outs of your industry, the risks you face, and the coverage you require.
• Transparency is key: Nobody likes being kept in the dark, especially when it comes to insurance. Look for providers that are transparent and clear in their communication. You want an insurance partner who explains the terms, conditions, and coverage in a way that makes sense to you. No jargon, no confusion — just straightforward and honest communication.
• Customizable coverage: Your business is unique, so your insurance coverage should be too. Avoid providers that offer rigid, off-the-shelf policies. Instead, opt for those that offer customizable coverage to meet your specific needs. Whether it’s liability, property, or equipment coverage, you should have the freedom to tailor your policy to fit your business like a glove.
• Responsive customer service: In times of crisis, you need a responsive insurance provider who doesn’t leave you hanging. Look for companies that prioritize customer service and have a reputation for being there when you need them the most.
• Easy claims process: The last thing you need when filing a claim is a complicated and frustrating process. Look for insurance providers that have a streamlined and efficient claims process. You deserve an easy-to-navigate system that minimizes paperwork, reduces headaches, and gets you back on your feet as quickly as possible.
• Competitive pricing: We can’t forget about the bottom line. While pricing shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, it does play a role. Seek out insurance providers that offer competitive pricing without compromising on coverage and service.
• Recommendations and referrals: Don’t be afraid to tap into your network and ask for recommendations. Reach out to fellow tour and attraction operators, industry associations, or trusted colleagues for their input. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights and help you find hidden gems in the insurance provider landscape.

Liability waivers are a simple way to further protect your business. Our post on Liability Waiver Best Practices gives a clear path to how you can use digital waivers to simultaneously protect your business as well as ways you can use this information in your marketing.

In addition, you should also have a cancellation policy, which should be available on your website and in your digital waiver. You should clearly state your terms for how and when guests can cancel a booking as well as your refund policy.

Finally, what emergency medical plans do you have in place? While keeping your first aid kits stocked is probably first on your list, other items to keep near – such as emergency blankets, survival tents, etc. – will depend on your type of tour and customer demographic. For example, if your business is based in Florida, you might want to have an evacuation plan in place for how to board up and secure your venue in case you have to evacuate due to a hurricane.

In sum, taking everything into account, liability insurance is as important of an investment as your equipment. Shopping around for an insurance company that is the perfect fit for your business is as important as shopping around for a vehicle and kayaks.

Writer Carla Vianna

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Liability Insurance for Guided Tour Companies

Protecting guided tour companies on land, sea or air.

New York City has always been a center of attraction — last year was no exception. In 2017, the City welcomed a record 62.8 million visitors in 2017, an increase of 2.3 million tourists over 2016. Of those, 49.7 million were domestic and 13.1 million were international visitors . That’s great news for the Big Apple, and equally good news for guided tour companies that show these visitors a good time. Take the famous Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise around Manhattan Island, or the hop-on, hop-off, open-air bus tours, or walking tours — not to mention the new guided bike and Segway tours. 

Of course, Washington, DC, Chicago, Las Vegas, and other major cities have their fair share of guided tours — whether by land, water or helicopter. After all, there’s a lot to see in our great country. What do these guided tours have in common? The potential for great profits — and risk. 

Guided Tour Risks

What are some of the most common risks associated with guided tours?

Baggage loss can be an inconvenience at best and dangerous at worst if your clients are carrying important information or medication in their luggage. Transportation malfunctions are also a risk to consider.

Consider the helicopter crash that killed four people on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour. In one case in 2018, five British tourists died during a helicopter tour after the pilot lost control of the aircraft thanks to a violent gust of wind. Or the city sightseeing, the open-air tour bus that careened out of control in San Francisco a few years ago and injured four. 

You may also run into unexpected health issues or — depending on your location and the destination of your tour — a lack of proper accommodation, leaving you out in the cold. Finally, there is always the risk of stolen personal items. While no one will care about a t-shirt or a pair of shoes, if their money or passport goes missing, it can be a massive problem.

Insurance For Guided Tour Companies

How to Decrease Guided Tour Risks

What can you do to decrease these risks on your guided tours?

Make sure you provide information about the area you’re traveling to in advance. We all love booking a trip or a tour on a whim, but your clients must know what they’re getting into before paying for their tour. You also need to understand your travelers’ specific needs before they join the tour. You don’t need to be invasive with your questions but you do need to know anything that could potentially put them at risk during the tour. 

Encourage your travelers to take health measures before they arrive. This could be as simple as taking Dramamine if they’re prone to motion sickness or as complex as necessary vaccinations before they arrive if they’re traveling from a different country.  Finally, you’ll need to obtain guided tour insurance to protect both you and your clients in the event of an incident.

You should always be prepared for the unexpected if you’re offering guided tours. One of the best ways to do that is to obtain guided tour insurance. Danger is inherent in every tour, but it doesn’t have to damage your business. Learn more about guided tour insurance options from XINSURANCE for your business and what insurance tour operators need. 

XINSURANCE is powered by Evolution Insurance Brokers , an insurance brokerage. XINSURANCE provides customized specialty insurance solutions for ever-changing risks and liability issues, including property and casualty insurance — and Tour Operator Liability Insurance for Guided Tour Companies. We’ll even defend you in the event you are named in an incident, claim or lawsuit.

XINSURANCE provides an all-in-one approach that allows business owners to have broader coverage, up to $20 million limits with higher limits available through reinsurance partners, flexible underwriting, risk management expertise, extraordinary claims results, and a partnership approach. With us, guided tour companies can rest assured they’ll be around to welcome millions of more visitors to their great city. Contact us today to see how we can help you protect your business as well as your clients moving forward.

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You can start the quote process by filling out the form at the top of this page . Once you are finished, we will have an underwriter contact you about the quote request and discuss your insurance needs. Get started today!

Last updated on March 10, 2021.

Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Rick J. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick J. Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick J. Lindsey discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Rick J. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick J. Lindsey to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. XINSURANCE also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are XINSURANCE can help.

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Levels of incompetence bordering on negligence

First Underwriting were my insurers....if you can call them an insurance co,, I've since found out they are based in Malta with limited FCA license to operate in the UK which says it all. I was involved in a none fault car accident 3 weeks after the renewal of my motor trade policy. I never got to deal with FUL direct just their accident management company AAC Auto Accident Claims who were the worst, picture a bunch of rottweilers standing in front of an 8ft steel gate which you have to get passed to deal with your insurer and you will get a feel for the experience. AAC can argue for fun and enjoy taunting you as they deflect your claim, this was a none fault claim, I was rear ended in traffic but rather than chase the third party they just tried to mitigate what they had to pay out by arguing with me for months and months about the value of my car and the expenses I wanted to claim. The whole saga took virtually 12 months because they let the third party insurer run rings around them whilst they just argued with me their supposed client. I can't stress this enough check who your broker is offering you as an insurer and if they offer you FUL walk away from both because your brokers integrity is also in question if they offer you this outfit

Date of experience : 31 May 2024

Took 3 attempts to get a company to do…

Took 3 attempts to get a company to do 'search and reveal' for leak in concrete floor. (the first 1 - was a builder, the second company didn't even do search & reveal)! Very poor communication from 1st underwriting agents. Twice had a call from one agent with info that was a week old (e.g. they were getting a co to install blowers/heaters - the blowers/heaters had already been in place a week)! The contractor they employed forgot to glue down some of the floor tiles and had to return. Can't believe the amount 1st Underwriters state the claim is for. Glad they were not renewing any policies, as we wouldn't anyway. Avoid.

Date of experience : 25 August 2023

An excellent claims experience

A dripping pipe damaged the ceiling of the room beneath. An assessor was out within 48 hours of my contacting the company. The claim was processed and we received a cash settlement within two weeks. The whole process was smooth and everyone we dealt with - call centre staff, office staff and the assessor – were friendly and helpful. My one gripe is their on-hold system: it has no queuing message and the music is scratchy, as if the tape needs replacing. It doesn't inspire confidence - a pity since our claims experience was excellent.

Date of experience : 23 May 2023

Flooded empty property claim

Large claim for flooding of an empty property where water ran for a week. Took a bit of chasing up initially but once I had a dedicated person to deal with (Hursh), everything ran very smoothly. Money was paid out promptly. No one wants to have a flooded house, but this company did make the whole insurance claim process as painful as possible. Would highly recommend

Date of experience : 25 May 2023

WARNING: NEVER use First Underwritting Limited

I found First Underwritting Limited's claims company to be obstructive, totally unresponsive, after three months of continually asking for an update I only got a response when I found their COO's email and sent him a direct email. They then rejected my claim despite it being clearly covered. I was forced to go through the Financial Ombudsman who, as expected, upheld my claim. This company is nothing more than a scam! Never use them.

Date of experience : 04 November 2022

My claim was dealt with quickly and efficiently

I was very impressed with First Underwriting. The insurance assessor was quick to visit the property and extremely helpful. Thereafter my claim was dealt with efficiently and quickly and with very good customer service. I felt like I mattered as an individual and the team at First Underwriting were willing to help and returned calls and emails quickly. they also kept me informed along the way so I knew at what stage of the process we were at and when I was likely to receive a payout for my claim.

Date of experience : 01 June 2023

Many thanks for all your help in…

Many thanks for all your help in settling our claim so quickly – your speedy response was hugely appreciated. On the strength of this our son went out two days ago and bought a new laptop which as a PhD student and lecturer he needs constantly. Thank you for making a difficult situation as stressfree as possible. Many thanks again.

Date of experience : 02 March 2023

As a previous person said if you could give 0 stars that is exactly what they deserve and less, Starting with them not being able to find the policy number, And then refusing to put me through to a supervisor, (citing data protection, such a shame the the supervisor cannot due the due dilegen ce of confirming me as a client) Well next call will be to try and find other means of getting answers so i will be leaving another revies , possibly in minutes from now.

Date of experience : 19 January 2024

LET DOWN MY HASTINGS DIRECT

27/09/2023 ...WELL LOOKS LIKE THE UNDER WRITTERS HAVE BLACK LISTED ME ...... IV BEEN WITH HASTINGS DIRECT FOR OVER 5 YEARS AND MORE ..BEEN DRIVING 40 YEARS HAD A ACCIDENT 3 YEARS A GO NOT MY FAULT BUT MY WHEN UP A BITE WANT I UNDERSTAND.. BUT THIS YEAR MY RENEWAL WAS DICLINED FORM HASTINGS insurance I ASK WHY. They wouldn't tell me . Saying the underwriters say no with no explanation so I'm in the dark and hasting won't help find out why or won't tell ..

Date of experience : 27 September 2023

If I could give zero stars I would

If I could give zero stars I would. Absolutely terrible. No communication, lies; every time I phone it’s the same excuse; “waiting on engineer report” even though I know this isn’t always the case. 3 months since accident and still waiting pay out which is totally unacceptable. Avoid at all costs.

Date of experience : 26 November 2021

Reply from First Underwriting Limited

We're sorry that we didn't deliver a great claims experience. Since your review we have changed the way that our claims are handled and improved our processes, so that we can deliver an efficient and pleasant claims experience to all policyholders.

Strange company!

Offered renewal terms (which were reasonable) a few weeks before due date. Shortly after, I had to report a very minor, single-vehicle accident (car park scrape). The day before renewal, I was notified by my broker that First were no longer prepared to offer a renewal quote. No explanation given, despite being pushed by the broker. Had to rush around arranging alternative cover. Bizarre behaviour.

Date of experience : 24 October 2022

Hi Steve. We’re sorry that we were unable to offer you a renewal on your insurance this year. We have recently updated our underwriting criteria which sometimes means that we can no longer insure certain vehicles or require certain security measures. We’re sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience this may have caused.

Made a claim for a stolen bike

Made a claim for a stolen bike. After making the initial approach and spoke to a human (very reassuring) the response from First Underwriting was very quick. After suppling the documentation they required the settlement and payout followed on very quickly. Many thanks for your help in this matter.

Date of experience : 28 March 2023

FRAUD OF A COMPANY

Most cowboy insurance providers to ever exist! They will not pay out your claim & will avoid/delay as long as humanly possible until you take it over to the FOS/FCA. I don’t know how they still allow them to operate like this with all the complaints being made! If you’re insured by these guys just accept your fate that you won’t get paid out & will have to fight for your life until you do. This could take years!

Date of experience : 16 August 2022

Hi Eric. We're sorry that you have experienced a poor service with First Underwriting. We have tried to look into your case but we don't seem to find you on our customer database. Can you please contact us at [email protected] so we can investigate further?

Home Insurance claim

First U/W Dealt with my mothers home insurance claim quickly and efficiently and with no fuss or hassle. The claim was paid in full within 2 weeks of the burglary taking place.

Date of experience : 25 March 2023

My car was stolen at the beginning of…

My car was stolen at the beginning of September and I am still waiting to be paid out! Back and forth continuously either the department that I need are busy or I will get a phone call back that will never happen! Was payout was made to my account and to allowing 3 to 5 working days for payment on the 7th working day still nothing!!! For me to call and be told “sorry we had a digit wrong with bank details it will be processed as urgent” still nothing!!!! The communication is appalling and I am still waiting!! I will now be taking this to the FOS

Date of experience : 26 November 2022

HI Chloe. I'm sorry to hear that there has been an issue with your payment. Could you please contact me at [email protected] so that I can look into this further and ensure it is resolved swiftly? Many thanks, Sarah

Temporary car Insurance

Bought temporary car insurance through them a month in advance in order to tax my car but when the time came my car wasn't showing insured on the MID database. I'm working away and my only option is to tax my car online so you can imagine how furious I was. Now I've wasted money and I am waiting to hear back on whether they will compensate me for their error. They usually take 1-2 weeks to reply to an email and the customer service is absolutely ridiculously bad. It seems like they aren't fully trained to answer routine questions. I've even received conflicting answers from two representatives and had to wait a week for the answer to be clarified. Just avoid them if you can. They are absolutely rubbish.

Date of experience : 05 November 2021

Hi AT, thanks for your review. We're sorry to hear you've had a poor customer experience. However, as we're the underwriter or insurer of the policy, it is not our role to enter your details on to the MID. This responsibility lies with the Insurance Broker from whom you purchased the insurance policy. As for the poor customer service experience, was this with First Underwriting or with your broker please?

The new house suffered a flood and…

The new house suffered a flood and within seven days of the event in August 2022 the house was installed with humidifiers. Although the repair work took a few months to start in January 2023, the repairs were carried out to a high standard by the contractors who were authorised by First Underwriting Ltd.

Date of experience : 23 January 2023

Typical Incompetent Insurers

If i could give this company 0 stars i would, lack of communication, going around different people, never getting proper answers, did pay some but still no proper answers to queries or explainations when asked, either by Broker, Email or Telephone Conversations with other people who supposedly passes messages on. Even when upgraded to Management not a lot of difference. My Father is an 82 elderly gentleman, good job he had family or would have been left in a fire and smoke damaged house, for weeks, possibly with their builders working round him, not impressed.

Date of experience : 22 October 2023

Absolutely First Class kept us informed…

Absolutely First Class kept us informed week by week they have really done a great job under difficult circumstances would highly recommend thank you so very much for all your help

Date of experience : 04 April 2023

OK but slow. Then dropped me.

A slow drip from a concealed pipe upstairs caused damage to the bathroom floor and ceiling and cupboards downstairs. Assessor came very quickly and offered me a cash settlement which turned out to be much less than I could get the job done for. After several calls and notes with the Claims Consortium (CC) who were handling the claim, it was discovered that the assessor had said I wanted to DIY the job myself which I am not capable of and would never have requested. Hence the low settlement offer. I then found out CC would take over the job and arrange repair. Phew what a relief. Unfortunately this restarted the process and a new assessor had to come. Eventually a contractor was assigned. Work started with a good plan going well until mould was discovered behind a wall cupboard. Work stopped until the assessor approved the extra work. Then the trades had to be lined up again which took a while. In the end the job was done ok but it took 7 months in which time we lived in chaos. The sting in the tail came two months later when my insurance came up for renewal. My broker said that First Underwriting had declined to quote and I have had to change company.

Date of experience : 26 June 2023

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Whether you are looking to get the most out of a tight budget or prefer premium luxury when discovering Russia, Olta Travel will be your perfect partner.

Let us make your tour to Russia a memorable experience, so you can enjoy a worry-free journey!

• FROM BIG GROUPS TO INDIVIDUALS: we craft a tailored offer for almost any budget, thanks to our distributed network of trusted partners, direct connections with service providers and our own profound knowledge of destinations in Russia. 
• TOP SERVICE GUARANTEE:  We take care of everything to secure travelers’ satisfaction and are prepared to deal with unexpected issues should they arise.
• COMFORTABLE PRICING:  Olta Travel keeps the cost of discovering Russia at a fair, reasonable level because we love our country and seek to share this love with you.
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1.1. In this Policy, personal information means any information left by users on the Website of Olta Travel, including Name, Surname, company, email address and other contact information, left in the message.

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2.2. Olta Travel is taking the necessary legal, organizational and technical measures to protect personal information from unlawful or accidental access, copying, distribution of personal information, as well as other unlawful actions in relation to personal data of users, which include:

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Tour Operators and Travel Agents Insurance

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Tour Operators and Travel Agents

Please contact our specialist Tour Operators and Travel Agents team who will be delighted to assist with your enquiry.

The product has been established over 25 years following the Package Travel Regulations in 1992 and we continue to strive to provide insurance, and to articulate our knowledge of the risks within this sector, to best assist our brokers and their clients.

Considerations for brokers and their clients may include:

• Determine an accurate split of tour operating, travel agency and true single component sales
• Profile of:
• Destinations
• Activites, Transfers and Accommodation
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• Booking conditions with customers should have been legally reviewed. Care should be taken to ensure that booking conditions don't adversely change the legal liability position of the proposer; for example: inadvertently creating a 'package'
• Claims handling capabilities of the Insurer, for volume and complex claims.

Our risk appetite includes:

• Travel Agents
• Tour Operators
• Risks able to provide accurate and detailed profile and supplier information

Examples of risk profiles which are OUTSIDE of our appetite:

• Poor control of supplier and/or customer contract terms
• Exposures in sanctioned and other high risk locations
• High risk activities and some types and locations of domestic travel

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    property and business interruption,     legal liability,     professional indemnity,     directors and officers liability,     legal expenses, our specialist team....

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t. 020 8315 5073 e. [email protected]

t. 020 8315 5030 e. [email protected]

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Tourism and tour operators liability

We provide liability cover for the tourism industry, including tour operators.

Tourism combined liability policy wording

Tourism and tour operators proposal form, incident report claim form, product features.

• Limit of indemnity up to $50 million
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What do we cover?

Inbound tour operators, urban tourism.

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Who is a Tour Operator? Know Roles and Responsibilities

If travel destinations and tourist places are something that interest you or fill you with enthusiasm, probably then, you must know about a tour operator. Tour operators advise customers about different travel options. They organize tours for individuals or different groups of travelers. As professionals, they prepare tour itineraries, and tour packages and coordinate with vendors for your holidays.

In this write-up, we delve into a tour operator’s roles and discuss the necessary skills, roles, and education qualifications for the job.

Who is a Tour Operator?

A tour operator is someone who belongs to the hospitality industry. He organizes tours and helps customers during trips so that they have positive reviews. Advising customers on different tour packages based on their budget and interests, and handling all logistics of a tour, such as booking tickets and accommodations, are some basic roles assigned to them.

Tour operators generally work for travel agencies or tour companies A tour guide will accompany tourists on their trips, but tour operators are solely available to answer their questions. They provide detailed information about tourists’ itineraries.

Types of Tour Operators

Here are some types of tour operators who can help you plan your holidays better and make them memorable!

1. Domestic Tour Operators

 Domestic tour operators provide tours and travel services within their own country. They serve tourists who desire to explore different regions or attractions within their country.

2. Inbound Tour Operators

These operators serve foreign tourists visiting their country. They plan and organize tours within their own country, and provide services such as transport, accommodation, guided tours, and activities.

3. Outbound Tour Operators

Outbound tour operators organize tours for residents of one country traveling to another country or countries. They arrange the trip, including flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities at the travel destination.

4. Special Interest Tour Operators

These operators specialize in planning tours catering to specific interests or hobbies, such as wildlife safaris, culinary tours, photography tours, adventure travel, or cultural immersion experiences.

5. Wholesale Tour Operators

Wholesale tour operators sell pre-packaged tour products in bulk to travel agencies or retail outlets. They often provide discounted rates to travel agents. Travel agents usually earn a profit by reselling the tours to clients.

6. Incentive Travel Companies

These companies organize travel experiences for corporate groups or organizations as rewards or incentives for employees or clients. They often tailor trips to meet the guided objectives and preferences of the organization.

Tour operators design and organize pre-packaged tours or holiday packages while the Travel agents help clients in booking individual travel components.

What is the Role of a Tour Operator?

Tour operators play a wide array of roles when it comes to planning holiday packages and dealing with tourists.

1. Planning Tour Packages

These professionals design and schedule travel packages for individual travelers or groups of tourists. They coordinate with their clients to discuss their likes and dislikes and then suggest a range of attractions, accommodations, and transportation options to enable the clients to select the tour packages that meet their preferences.

2. Negotiating Rates

Often the tour operators can try to book a group of room /blocks in a hotel for their bigger group. This leads to lower rates for the tourists.

3. Arranging Travel

Tour operators ensure that passengers have their train tickets to travel between the cities or even book a car rental to help customers visit the attractions according to their schedule.

4. Providing Customer Support

A tour operator offers travelers with the technical assistance that they may need before a trip. For example, they may reply to customer questions about a trip they are planning, tell them about currency exchange rates, or notify them if there are any changes in their itinerary.

5. Preparing Tour Budgets

A tour operator comes up with different price options with sample itineraries and counsels customers on the kind of lodging and attractions that are within their budget.

6. Researching Travel Options

Tour operators are specialists who gather and study data on traveling patterns to suggest itineraries to tourists about where they should go, where they will stay, and where they can eat on their trips.  

They read articles and browse online for details about travel trends and popular tourist spots that they can use to stay updated with what is trending currently.

Educational Requirements for a Tour Operator

To become a tour operator you need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers, particularly tour companies or travel organizations, may prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Tour operators need a degree in tourism and travel services management or hospitality management. Many colleges and universities offer these undergraduate programs, and it typically takes four years for students to complete their degree. You can also consider doing short-term courses in the following streams.

• Hospitality finance
• Foundations of tourism
• International hotel management
• Tourism information technology
• Hospitality management strategies
• Sustainable tourism planning
• Revenue management
• Service technology
• Event planning
• Human resources management
• Hospitality sales and marketing

Difference between Travel Agent and Tour Operator

Tour operators and travel agents both play important roles in the tourism industry, but they have distinct functions and responsibilities. Let’s differentiate between the two.

Travel Agent :

A travel agent is an individual or a company that acts as an intermediary between travelers and travel service providers. They may specialize in certain types of travel, destinations, or services.

Travel agents typically earn commissions from the travel suppliers they book with, rather than charging clients directly for their services.

They assist clients in planning and booking the trip, including flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities.

Tour Operator :

A tour operator is a company that designs, organizes, and sells pre-packaged tours or holiday packages to travelers. Tour operators handle all aspects of the tour, including accommodations, transportation, meals, guided tours, and activities. They often work with travel agents to sell their tour packages to clients.

They may specialize in specific types of tours, such as adventure tours, cultural tours, luxury tours, or eco-tours. Tour operators also offer customized tour packages tailored to the preferences and needs of individual clients or groups.

Wrapping Up

The profile of a tour operator is special as it blends creativity, expertise, and impact. Tour operators have the privilege of turning travelers’ dreams into reality by crafting unique and immersive travel experiences tailored to specific interests and preferences.

They have an extensive knowledge of travel destinations, coupled with strong connections with local suppliers. This enables them to offer better service and access to exclusive travel opportunities.

Check also: Best Places to Visit in Kashmir

Moreover, tour operators play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism practices as they support local communities, and preserve cultural and natural heritage. Although they may face challenges such as changing rules and unforeseen circumstances, tour operators show professionalism in ensuring the safety and satisfaction of their clients.

A tour operator designs organizes, and sells pre-packaged tours or holiday packages to travelers. They plan and coordinate all aspects of the tour, including accommodations, transportation, meals, guided tours, and activities.

They also negotiate contracts with travel suppliers such as hotels, airlines, transportation companies, and tour guides. A tour operator promotes tour packages to attract clients.

Moreover, they assist and support to travelers before, during, and after the tour. They also ensure compliance with safety regulations and provide a high-quality travel experience.

While both tour operators and travel agents are involved in the travel industry, they have separate roles and functions.

A tour operator specializes in designing and organizing pre-packaged tours or holiday packages for travelers. They handle all aspects of the tour, from transportation and accommodations to planning activities and excursions.

On the other hand, a travel agent acts as an intermediary between travelers and travel service providers. They assist clients in planning and booking various aspects of a trip, such as flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities.

Travel agents may work with tour operators to sell their tour packages to clients, among other services.

A tour operator designs and creates pre-packaged tour itineraries tailored to specific destinations or themes. They negotiate contracts with hotels, airlines, transportation companies, and other travel suppliers to secure competitive rates and check availability.

They handle all logistics related to the tour, including booking accommodations, arranging transportation, and organizing guided tours and activities.

They market and promote tour packages to target audiences through online platforms, travel agencies, and promotional events.

A tour operator provides assistance and support to travelers throughout the tour, including addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.

Finally, they ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards to ensure the well-being and safety of travelers.

Last but not least, a tour operator continuously evaluates and improves tour offerings based on customer feedback and market trends to improve the overall travel experience.

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Stream gatherers: A new way to manipulate Java streams

A code-first tour of the new customizable stream operators in java 22’s java.util.stream.gatherers interface..

Contributor, InfoWorld |

The Stream API and stream gatherers

What you can do with stream gatherers, stream gatherers' built-in methods.

Java 22 introduces stream gatherers , a new mechanism for manipulating streams of data. Stream gatherers are the delivered feature for JEP 461 , allowing developers to create custom intermediate operators that simplify complex operations. At first glance, stream gatherers seem a bit complex and obscure, and you might wonder why you'd need them. But when you are confronted with a situation that requires a certain kind of stream manipulation, gatherers become an obvious and welcome addition to the Stream API.

Java streams model dynamic collections of elements. As the spec says, “A stream is a lazily computed, potentially unbounded sequence of values.”

That means you can consume and operate on data streams endlessly. Think of it as sitting beside a river and watching the water flow past. You would never think to wait for the river to end. With streams, you just start working with the river and everything it contains. When you are done, you walk away.

The Stream API has several built-in methods for working on the elements in a sequence of values. These are the functional operators like filter and map . 

In the Stream API, streams begin with a source of events, and operations like filter and map are known as “intermediate” operations. Each intermediate operation returns the stream, so you can compose them together. But with the Stream API, Java will not start applying any of these operations until the stream reaches a “terminal” operation. This supports efficient processing even with many operators chained together.

Stream's built-in intermediate operators are powerful, but they can’t cover the whole realm of imaginable requirements. For situations that are out of the box, we need a way to define custom operations. Gatherers give us that way.

Say you are on the side of the river and leaves are floating past with numbers written on them. If you want to do something simple, like create an array of all the even numbers you see, you can use the built-in filter method:

In the above example, we start with an array of integers (the source) and then turn it into a stream, applying a filter that only returns those numbers whose division by two leaves no remainder. The toArray() call is the terminal call. This is equivalent to checking each leaf for evenness and setting it aside if it passes.

The  java.util.stream.Gatherers  interface comes with a handful of built-in functions that enable you to build custom intermediate operations. Let's take a look at what each one does.

The windowFixed method

What if you wanted to take all the leaves floating by and collect them into buckets of two? This is surprisingly clunky to do with built-in functional operators. It requires transforming an array of single digits into an array of arrays. 

The windowFixed method is a simpler way to gather your leaves into buckets:

This says: Give me a stream based on the iterating of integers by 1. Turn every two elements into a new array. Do it five times. Finally, turn the stream into a List . The result is:

Windowing is like moving a frame over the stream; it lets you take snapshots. 

The windowSliding method

Another windowing function is windowSliding , which works like windowFixed() except each window starts on the next element in the source array, rather than at the end of the last window. Here's an example:

The output is:

Compare the windowSliding output with the output of windowFixed and you’ll see the difference. Each subarray in windowSliding contains the last element of the previous subarray, unlike windowFixed .

The Gatherers.fold method

Gatherers.fold is like a refined version of the Stream.reduce method. It’s a bit nuanced to see where fold() comes in handy over reduce() . A good discussion is found in this article . Here's what the author, Viktor Klang, has to say about the differences between fold and reduce :

Folding is a generalization of reduction. With reduction, the result type is the same as the element type, the combiner is associative, and the initial value is an identity for the combiner. For a fold, these conditions are not required, though we give up parallelizability.

So we see that reduce is a kind of fold . Reduction takes a stream and turns it into a single value. Folding also does this, but it loosens the requirements: 1) that the return type is of the same type as the stream elements; 2) that the combiner is associative; and 3) that the initializer on fold is an actual generator function, not a static value.

The second requirement is relevant to parallelization, which I'll discuss in more detail soon. Calling Stream.parallel on a stream means the engine can break out the work into multiple threads. This only works if the operator is associative; that is, it works if the ordering of operations does not affect the outcome.

Here’s a simple use of fold :

This example takes the collection of strings and combines them with commas. The same work done by reduce :

You can see that with  fold , you define a function ( () -> “” ) instead of an initial value ( “” ).  This means if you require more complex handling of the initiator, you can use the closure function. 

Now let’s think about the advantages of  fold with respect to a diversity of types. Say we have a stream of mixed-object types and we want to count occurrences:

The result var is 3. Notice the stream has a number, a string, and a Boolean. Performing a similar feat with reduce is difficult because the accumulator argument ( acc ) is strongly typed:

We could use a collector to perform this work:

But then we’ve lost access to the initializer and folding functions body if we need more involved logic.

The Gatherers.scan method

Scan is something like windowFixed but it accumulates the elements into a single element instead of an array. Again, an example gives more clarity (this example is from the Javadocs ):

So,  scan lets us move through the stream elements and combine them cumulatively.

The mapConcurrent method

With mapConcurrent , you can specify a maximum number of threads to use concurrently in running the map function provided. Virtual threads will be used. Here’s a simple example that limits the concurrency to four threads while squaring numbers (note that  mapConcurrent is overkill for such a simple dataset):

Besides the thread max, mapConcurrent works exactly like the standard map function.

Until stream gatherers are promoted as a feature, you still need to use the --enable-preview flag to access the Gatherer interface and its features. An easy way to experiment is using JShell: $ jshell --enable-preview .

Although they are not a daily need, stream gatherers fill in some long-standing gaps in the Stream API and make it easier for developers to extend and customize functional Java programs.

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Matthew Tyson is a founder of Dark Horse Group, Inc. He believes in people-first technology. When not playing guitar, Matt explores the backcountry and the philosophical hinterlands. He has written for JavaWorld and InfoWorld since 2007.

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