Analysis
NAICS 561520 is the 2022 national industry for tour operators, part of 56152 (Tour Operators). Census lists 3 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 2,584 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 27,113 people at an average annual payroll of $61,374 per employee (36th percentile of national industries). 66% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments fell 12% and employment fell 16%. 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.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include tour operators (i.e., arranging and assembling tours), travel tour operators and wholesale tour operators.
Census lists 3 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 561510, 487 and 713990. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, acting as agents in selling travel, tour, and accommodation services to the general public and commercial clients are classified in 561510 (Travel Agencies) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in arranging and assembling tours. The tours are sold through travel agencies or tour operators. Travel or wholesale tour operators are included in this industry.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Acting as agents in selling travel, tour, and accommodation services to the general public and commercial clients | 561510 Travel Agencies |
| Conducting scenic and sightseeing tours | 487 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation |
| Providing guide services, such as archeological, museum, tourist, hunting, or fishing | 713990 All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries |
Index entries (3)
- Tour operators (i.e., arranging and assembling tours)
- Travel tour operators
- Wholesale tour operators