791000Travel agency activities
旅行代理活動
Why 6 digits?
HSIC subclasses are 6 digits. The first four match the international ISIC class; Hong Kong adds a two-digit local suffix for finer detail, especially across its import and export trade, so a code steps from a 4-digit class straight to a 6-digit subclass. More on the HSIC structure.
This activity encompasses services provided by travel agencies, including the booking of airline tickets, coach and train travel, cruises, and hotels. It also includes tour escorting and guiding services, as well as general travel arrangement services for tourists.
This classification includes
- airline ticket agents
- coach and train travel ticket booking services
- cruise and ship travel ticket booking services
- hotel booking services
- tour escorting services
- tourist agency
- tourist guide services
- travel agents
- travel arrangement services
Classified elsewhere
These activities look similar but belong under different codes.
- local representative offices of overseas airline companies
Licences and approvals
What this activity needs to operate
Activities under this code trigger the following licensing regimes. Emerhub prepares and files each application on your behalf.
Travel Agent Licence
Travel Industry Authority (TIA)
Any person carrying on business as a travel agent in Hong Kong, including outbound tour operators and agents selling travel services, must hold a travel agent licence from the Travel Industry Authority under the Travel Industry Ordinance (Cap. 634). A corporate applicant must be a Hong Kong incorporated or registered company, meet paid-up capital and bank guarantee requirements, and appoint a suitable authorized representative.
- Capital requirement
- Paid-up share capital of not less than HK$500,000 (for company applicants for a new licence); a bank guarantee of HK$500,000 issued by an authorized institution is also required
- Processing time
- TIA states renewal applications normally take four weeks to process; no published target for new applications
Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14
Offshore profits claim feasibility
MediumTravel agency activities often involve services performed in Hong Kong, such as booking tickets and arranging tours for local customers. While some aspects can be conducted offshore, the reliance on local premises and clientele limits the potential for offshore tax benefits.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
TRAVEL AGENCY ACTIVITIES INCLUDING TICKET BOOKING
49/60 characters
Chinese 中文
旅行代理活動
6/30 characters
Standard compliance
Compliance every Hong Kong company shares
Beyond anything specific to this activity, every Hong Kong company handles two-tiered profits tax, the annual return (Form NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary, audited accounts, MPF enrolment for staff, and a company secretary. Emerhub runs all of it on your behalf.
See the full Hong Kong compliance calendarFrequently asked questions
Do I need a license to operate a travel agency?
Yes, you must obtain a Travel Agent License from the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council to operate legally.
What are the tax implications for travel agencies?
Travel agencies are subject to Hong Kong profits tax on income earned within the territory. Offshore income may be exempt if properly structured.
Can I operate a travel agency from outside Hong Kong?
While you can manage operations from abroad, you must have a local presence and comply with Hong Kong regulations to serve local clients.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a travel agency activities business in Hong Kong?
Emerhub incorporates your company, registers the business nature above with the IRD, files every licence application, and runs your company secretary and compliance calendar. You provide the documents; Emerhub handles every government interaction.
Start incorporation with Emerhub