NAICS 2022
487
Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation
Analysis
NAICS 487 is the 2022 subsector for scenic and sightseeing transportation. Census lists 35 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 3,199 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 27,127 people at an average annual payroll of $52,034 per employee (20th percentile of national industries). 69% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 9% and employment fell 9%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
Across its national industries Census lists 35 index entries; typical ones are buses, scenic and sightseeing operation, airboat (i.e., swamp buggy) operation and aerial cable car, scenic and sightseeing, operation.
It splits into 3 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 4872 (Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water) with 2,217.
Its more detailed codes are 4871 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land (727 establishments), 4872 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (2,217 establishments) and 4879 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Other (255 establishments).
Official definition
Industries in the Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation subsector utilize transportation equipment to provide recreation and entertainment. These activities have a production process distinct from passenger transportation carried out for the purpose of other types of for-hire transportation. This process does not emphasize efficient transportation; in fact, such activities often use obsolete vehicles, such as steam trains, to provide some extra ambience. The activity is local in nature, usually involving a same-day return to the point of departure.
The Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation subsector is separated into three industries based on the mode: land, water, and other.
Activities that are recreational in nature and involve participation by the customer, such as white water rafting, are generally excluded from this subsector, unless they impose an impact on part of the transportation system. Charter boat fishing, for example, is included in the Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water industry.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Index entries (35)
- Buses, scenic and sightseeing operation
- Airboat (i.e., swamp buggy) operation
- Aerial cable car, scenic and sightseeing, operation