Singapore Industry Guides

Information You Need to Succeed

Setting Up a Tour Agency in Singapore

Legal Requirements

Register Your Business on ACRA

The first step in any business venture is registering the company with ACRA, the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore. Once approved, your company will receive a business licence with a Unique Entity Number (UEN), which is required for the application of other licences and permits.

Tour Agency Licensing Requirements

In general, a person or business that intends to supply any person or tour a right to travel on any conveyance (land, sea or air) and/or a right of accommodation will be required to possess a Travel Agent (TA) license, under Section 4 of the Travel Agents Act (Cap. 334).

Singapore Tourism Board currently issues TWO types of Travel Agent Licences:

Niche Licence

Upfront capital of $50,000, plus a net worth of equal amount.
Licensed to only sell or arrange tours with conveyance WITHIN Singapore, WITHOUT accommodation

General Licence

Upfront capital of $100,000, plus a net worth of equal amount
Licensed to carry out ALL travel agent activities

The following conditions must be fulfilled before a Final Approval is granted by STB:

Incorporate the company on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of Singapore
Ensure sufficient minimum upfront capital and net worth
Nominate a Key Executive (Singaporean or PR or EP holder) with relevant experience who is responsible for day-to-day administration and operations
Appoint executives with proof of good conduct and character
Set up a dedicated email and business address

Notable Tour Agencies in Singapore

SA Tours
CTC Travel
Hong Thai Travel
Chan Brothers Travel
Dynasty Travel
ASA Holidays
UOB Travel
EU Holidays

A Few Good Reasons to Use Travel Agents (instead of Online Booking)

There are more than 1000 tour agencies still operating in Singapore, despite the fact that over 600 have closed over the last 5 years. It is a good sign that personalised and personable service by travel agents, many of whom are knowledgeable and well-travelled with a wealth of experience to tap on, is still very much in demand and welcome by consumers. Travel agents do not just know the market well, but are also there to listen to what you want, and will be able to match you with a better product than you can find on the Internet. Also, they are well-equipped with knowledge about different travel visas, necessary vaccinations, etiquette, and the restrictions associated with your travel plans.

For travellers seeking the path less travelled or new “it” destinations, travel agents are the ones with access to inside information, recommendations and arrangements that online booking platforms lack when it comes to special activities and experiences. Also, travel agents sometimes get you a better seat on an airplane, added amenities at hotels, room upgrades and event tickets through different “tools of the trade” that an average consumer is not able to use or doesn’t know about.

Besides saving you the time it takes to browse and compare online booking sites, if something goes wrong on your trip, a canceled flight or a missed connection, for example, travel agents will likely have the means and connections to get your vacation back on track.

Travel agents can take the guesswork out of researching and evaluating the many options that are available to travelers, saving time and the hassle that often come with vacation planning.

Holiday planners may need to fork out a bit more money for using travel agents, but the time and guesswork saved, along with value-added options may just be worth it.

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