Starting a Tour Business

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How to Start a Tour Business in Savannah

Below is an overview of the steps to start a tour company in Savannah. All tour operators must register with the Special Events, Film, and Tourism Department before beginning operations.

 If you are launching a new tour company, please contact the Tourism Division first, before submitting your registration or applying for a Business Tax Certificate.

  1. Register Tour Company
  • Company registration form
  • A copy of your business model/plan
  • Registration of all tour guides who are working as an employee or independent contractor of the tour service company
  • A map of tour route(s) to include starting/ending points
  • Times the tour will be operating

Once you have registered with the Tourism Division, you will be prompted to move forward with step 2 or 3 depending on your type of tour.

2. Tour Service Vehicles

The Department of Mobility & Parking Services requires all motorized and non-motorized tour service vehicles to have an annual inspection.

Contact: Mobility & Parking Services at (912) 651-6468

3. Business Tax Certificate

Upon completing steps 1 and 2, the applicant will need to obtain a business tax certificate from the Revenue Department.

4. Approval of Tour Company Registration

After Special Events, Film, and Tourism confirms receipt of the business tax certificate uploaded to the registration, the company will be notified via eProval that their registration certificate and tour guide badges are ready for pickup, completing the process.

 5. Annual Renewals

Tour companies must renew their registration annually by submitting the company registration form through the eProval Portal to Special Events, Film, and Tourism. The renewal requires providing the business name and contact information, a list of all employed tour guides with clear, recent photos taken within the past six months, proof of a current Business Tax Certificate issued by the City of Savannah, detailed tour routes including starting and ending points and operating times, and a valid certificate of insurance. Once the renewal is approved, the City will send official confirmation of the registration. Renewals should be submitted no later than April 30th of each calendar year.

Contact

Tourism Division: (912) 351-3837 or Tourism@savannahga.gov