What this class covers
ANZSIC class 7220 classifies Australian businesses primarily engaged in travel agency services, tour arrangement, and reservation services. These businesses act as intermediaries between customers and travel service providers without typically operating the transportation or accommodation themselves. The classification captures both retail operations serving the public and wholesale operations serving other businesses in the travel industry.
Typical businesses in this class include local travel agencies booking flights and accommodation, inbound tour operators creating packages for international visitors, online travel platforms facilitating bookings, tour wholesalers assembling packages for retail travel agents, and corporate travel management companies arranging business travel. These operations earn revenue primarily through commissions, service fees, or markups on travel products rather than through operating physical assets.
This classification is used by government agencies for statistical reporting, by businesses for industry benchmarking, and by service providers for understanding market segments. It helps identify businesses within the administrative services sector that facilitate travel and tourism without directly providing transportation or accommodation.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class typically engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Arranging and packaging tours that include multiple travel components
- Booking accommodation on behalf of customers for a fee or commission
- Booking transportation tickets (flights, trains, buses) as an agent
- Operating as an inbound tour operator creating packages for visitors to Australia
- Running a retail travel agency serving individual customers
- Selling travel tickets as an authorized agent
- Providing tour arrangement and itinerary planning services
- Operating as a tour operator that assembles but doesn't operate tours
- Retailing pre-packaged tours to consumers
- Wholesaling tours to other travel businesses
Exclusions and nearby codes
Certain travel-related activities are specifically excluded from ANZSIC 7220 and classified elsewhere:
Businesses that operate transport equipment to provide recreation and entertainment (such as tour buses, cruise ships, or scenic flights) are classified in ANZSIC 5010: Scenic and Sightseeing Transport. This distinction separates those who arrange tours from those who physically operate the transportation.
Tourist information centres that primarily provide information rather than booking services are included in ANZSIC 7299: Other Administrative Services n.e.c..
Tour operators that include provision of transport services (where they operate the vehicles) are classified in Division I Transport, Postal and Warehousing under the appropriate transport class based on the mode of transportation.
Practical guidance
When registering your business with the Australian Business Register, you would typically use Business Industry Code (BIC) 72200, which corresponds directly to ANZSIC 7220. This classification affects how your business is categorized for statistical purposes and may influence certain regulatory requirements.
For tax purposes, travel agencies need to consider GST on their services and may have specific obligations regarding the Travel Agents Compensation Fund in some Australian states. Keep detailed records of commissions, service fees, and client transactions as these have different tax implications than businesses that sell physical goods.
Workers' compensation insurance classifications for employees in this industry typically fall under clerical or sales categories rather than transportation classifications. Check with your state's WorkCover authority for specific premium rates applicable to travel agency operations.
When applying for business grants or industry assistance programs, ensure you're using the correct classification as some tourism-related programs may target operators rather than arrangers of tourism services.
Disclaimer: This information provides general guidance only. Consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your business circumstances regarding tax, regulatory compliance, and insurance requirements.