US-New YorkWhat regulations apply to tour operators in New York?
Tour operators in New York must register with the NYS Department of State, maintain a surety bond of $10,000, and comply with disclosure and advertising rules under the New York Arts and Cultural Affairs Law.
What the Law Says
New York regulates tour operators under the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law (ACA Law), which defines 'tour operator' and imposes mandatory registration, bonding, and consumer protection obligations.
A 'tour operator' in New York is defined as any person or business that sells or offers for sale prearranged travel packages—including transportation, accommodations, or tours—to the public for a single price. This includes both in-state and out-of-state operators selling to New York residents.
All tour operators must register with the New York State Department of State (DOS) before offering services to New York consumers. Registration must be renewed every two years, and the initial application must be filed at least 30 days before commencing operations.
Operators must file a surety bond of $10,000 payable to the People of the State of New York. The bond must remain in full force for two years and cover claims arising from fraud, failure to provide services, or misrepresentation.
The law also requires clear written disclosures to consumers—including total price, cancellation policy, refund terms, and identification of all suppliers—before accepting payment.
Statutory TextNo person shall act as a tour operator in this state unless such person has registered with the department of state pursuant to this article.
— Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, s. 35.03 — Registration required
Statutory TextEvery tour operator shall file with the department of state a surety bond… in the sum of ten thousand dollars.
— Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, s. 35.05 — Bond requirement
Statutory TextEach tour operator shall provide to each prospective purchaser, prior to acceptance of any payment, a written statement disclosing… the total price, cancellation and refund policies, and identity of all suppliers.
— Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, s. 35.07 — Disclosure requirements
What to Do
Complete and file DOS Form TO-1 with the New York Department of State.
Obtain and file a $10,000 surety bond valid for two years.
Provide required written disclosures to every customer before accepting payment.
Renew registration and bond every two years through the DOS online portal.
Keep records of all transactions, disclosures, and complaints for at least three years.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.