What is the definition of travel industry under the Travel Agency Act?
The Travel Agency Act defines the travel industry as follows:
Article 2 In this Act, the term "travel agency" means a business which, in return for remuneration, engages in the acts listed below (excluding a business which acts as an agent for a person who provides exclusively transportation services and concludes contracts for the provision of transportation services to travelers):
Examples of travel industry
Therefore, if all of the following three requirements are met, the activity is considered to be travel business.
① Receiving compensation ② Committing the following acts (acts listed in Article 2, Paragraph 1 of the Law): ③ Conduct as a business
We will explain these three requirements in more detail.
① Receiving compensation
Regarding "remuneration," the Travel Agency Law Enforcement Guidelines state the following:
If a business operator obtains economic income by performing any of the acts listed in Article 2, Paragraph 1 of the Act, it is considered remuneration.
Even if no fee is collected from travelers or there is no direct relationship between the act and the income, it will be recognized as remuneration if there is a reasonable relationship as shown below. a. When you arrange lodging free of charge at the request of a traveler, but later receive a rebate (so-called kickback, etc.) from the inn for this b. In the case of a study abroad placement business, the fee for study abroad placement and transportation or accommodation services is collected as a single package, or the transportation or accommodation services are arranged as an inseparable part for the other party to a contract that pays for services other than travel services.
In the case of a transaction that is made at an all-inclusive rate, such as a package tour, where the breakdown of income and expenditure is not clear and it is not clear that expenses cannot be covered by the economic income obtained by performing the acts listed in each item of Article 2, Paragraph 1 of the Law, it will be deemed that a profit has been made from the remuneration received from persons conducting transactions in relation to the travel business.
What does it mean to be "rewarded"?
"Rewarded" primarily refers to the receipt of monetary or other economic benefit. The word "reward" generally brings to mind images of profit or revenue, but this does not necessarily have to be limited to cases where profits are made. If you receive any money or economic benefit as a result of performing your duties, you are considered to have received compensation. Therefore, the act of receiving money itself constitutes the receipt of compensation.
Example: Cases where something is considered remuneration even if it does not include profit
For example, when you receive a fee from a client when performing a certain task, even if the amount does not include profit, the money received is considered remuneration because you have performed the task and obtained money. In this case, compensation is considered to have been received at the time the money is received, regardless of whether the compensation includes expenses directly related to the performance of the work or whether profits are generated. As long as you receive money as compensation for your work, you will be recognized as receiving remuneration, even if that money is simply expense recovery.
Cases where compensation is received indirectly from transportation or accommodation providers
In addition to receiving money directly from clients, you may also be considered to be receiving compensation indirectly. For example, if you refer a third party and receive a referral fee or kickback from that third party, you will be considered to have received compensation. In this case, the money is received from a third party such as a transportation company or accommodation provider, rather than from the client who directly carried out the work. However, since the act of introduction constitutes work and money is received in return, this is treated as remuneration. When the flow of money is related to the performance of work, it is generally considered to be remuneration even if the compensation relationship is indirect.
Regarding receipt of comprehensive money
If the money you receive is all-inclusive, you may be considered to have received compensation even if it is unclear whether it includes expenses that are relevant to your work. For example, if the amount paid by a traveller in the travel industry does not clearly distinguish expenses related to the travel business, the entire amount may be treated as remuneration. In this case too, part of the amount is received as compensation for work and may be recognized as part of the remuneration.
② Committing acts listed in Article 2, Paragraph 1 of the Law
Article 2, paragraph 1 of the Travel Agency Act lists the following nine activities as activities that fall under the travel industry.
The act of preparing a travel plan, either in advance for the purpose of recruiting travelers or at the request of travelers, which specifies the destination and itinerary of the travel, the content of the transportation or accommodation services (hereinafter referred to as "Transportation, etc. Services") that the travelers can receive, and the compensation to be paid by the travelers, and concluding, on one's own account, a contract for the provision of the Transportation, etc. Services that are deemed necessary to reliably provide the Transportation, etc. Services stipulated in the plan to travelers with a person who provides the Transportation, etc. Services
In addition to the acts listed in the preceding paragraph, the act of concluding a contract for the provision of transportation-related services, etc., which are deemed necessary to reliably provide travellers with travel-related services other than transportation and accommodation services (hereinafter referred to as "transportation-related services"), on one's own account, with a person who provides such services.
The act of acting as an agent to enter into contracts, act as an intermediary, or act as an intermediary for the provision of transportation and other services on behalf of travelers
Acting as an agent to enter into contracts or act as an intermediary for the provision of transportation services to travelers on behalf of a provider of transportation services, etc.
Providing transportation and other services to travelers using transportation facilities or accommodation facilities operated by others
In connection with the acts listed in the three preceding paragraphs, the act of acting as an agent to enter into a contract, act as an intermediary, or act as an intermediary for the provision of transportation and other related services on behalf of a traveler.
In connection with the acts listed in items 3 to 5, the act of acting as an agent to enter into contracts or act as an intermediary for the provision of transportation-related services to travelers for a person who provides transportation-related services.
In addition to the activities listed in items 1 and 3 through 5, providing services that are convenient for travelers, such as guiding travelers, handling procedures with administrative authorities, etc. for the purpose of obtaining a passport, etc.
Responding to enquiries regarding travel
In other words, if a business enters into a contract for transportation or accommodation services and provides them to travelers, or if the business acts as an intermediary or broker for transportation or accommodation services for travelers, the business falls under the category of travel industry.
One of the criteria for judging is whether transportation and accommodation are included.
③ Conduct as a business
"Business conduct" refers to an activity that meets certain criteria and is carried out on a recurring, ongoing basis for profit. Under the Travel Agency Act, whether or not something is being conducted as a business is determined comprehensively based on three requirements: "profitability," "unspecified number of people being recruited," and "repeated and continuous." If all of these requirements are met, it is likely to be recognized as a business, but in some cases, even if only one or two of the requirements are met, it may be recognized as a business.
Profitability Commerciality means that profits are generated by operating a travel business. Even if a business does not make a direct profit from travel services, if it generates profits from ancillary services, it may be determined that the business as a whole is profitable. On the other hand, if travel services, for example, are provided free of charge and no profit is generated, they may be considered less profitable.
Unspecified number of people recruited The open nature of a recruitment is a criterion for determining whether a recruitment for a service is aimed at a wide range of consumers. For example, a company trip for a specific group of employees is considered unlikely to involve an unspecified number of people. However, recruitment aimed at general consumers or a variety of industries is considered to be highly general.
Repeated continuity Repeated continuity means that a similar activity is not a one-off but is intended to be undertaken on an ongoing basis. For example, if you are continuously advertising your travel business or operating a business with a signboard, repeated and continuous activity may be recognized. If this intention is confirmed, a one-time activity may be considered for continuation in the future.
Whether or not these three requirements are met will be taken into consideration comprehensively to determine whether or not the business is being operated.
Cases where travel agency registration is not required
In the following cases, even if you receive remuneration, your business will likely not be considered a travel agency, meaning you will not need to register as a travel agency.
Examples of businesses not related to the travel industry
A business that dispatches tour conductors to accompany travelers and does not have direct transactions with travelers.
If you are only arranging event tickets or restaurant reservations.
For one-day tours with on-site pickup and drop-off, where no transportation services are arranged for the duration of the tour.
Actions taken by transportation and accommodation businesses within the scope of their business.
If you are only operating a bus ticket sales office or ticket issuing agency.
If the services you currently provide involve day trips that involve travel mainly on foot, then you likely do not need to register as a travel agency. However, if the services you currently provide involve accommodation or the need to arrange transportation, then you likely need to register as a travel agency.
Travel agency registration
Article 3. Any person who wishes to operate a travel business or a travel agent business must be registered by the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency.
As mentioned above, the Travel Agency Act stipulates that in order to operate a travel business, one must be registered as a travel agent. If you operate a travel agency without registering, you will be punished by law for operating without registration.
When applying for travel business registration, the Japan Tourism Agency has jurisdiction over the first type of travel business, and the jurisdiction over the main business office where the travel business operates, not only the registered head office but also the second type and third type travel business. Apply to each prefecture.
In addition, the validity period of registration is five years from the date of registration, and if you intend to continue operating a travel agency after the expiration of the registration validity period, you must apply for renewal at least two months prior to the expiration date.
In addition, any changes to the recorded information must be reported within 30 days of the change.
Types of travel industry
Scope of travel business
Requirements
Planned travel contract
Arranged travel contract
Travel consultation contract
Travel procedure agency contract
Conclusion of contract by proxy
Business guarantee deposit
Standard asset amount
Recruitment type Package Travel Contract (Overseas)
Recruitment type Packaged travel contract (domestic)
Made to order Planned travel contract
Package tour contract
Custom-made package tour contract
Arranged travel contract
Type 1 travel industry
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
×
×
7,000 million yen
3,000 million yen
Type 2 travel industry
×
○
○
○
○
○
○
×
×
1,100 million yen
700 million yen
Type 3 travel industry
×
△ #1
○
○
○
○
○
×
×
300 million yen
300 million yen
Region Limited
×
△ #1
△ #1
△ #1
×
×
○
×
×
100 million yen
100 million yen
Travel agency agency
○ #2
○ #2
○ #2
○ #2
×
○ *
○ *
×
×
None
None
*1: For domestic travel, limited to the municipality where the relevant business operator's office is located and adjacent municipalities.
*2: The scope is limited to the travel agency business to which you belong.
The terms in the table above are defined as follows:
planned trip
This refers to a trip in which a travel agency makes a travel plan, including the destination, schedule, transportation, and accommodation, and creates and sells travel products by signing contracts with service providers such as transportation agencies based on their own calculations. Masu. This applies to package tours.
Recruitment type planned trip
This refers to a planned trip in which a travel agency prepares a travel plan in advance. Travel agency registration is divided into overseas travel and domestic travel.
Made-to-order planned travel
A planned trip in which a travel agency creates a travel plan at the request of a traveler. Travel agency registration does not distinguish between overseas travel and domestic travel.
Arranged travel contract
This refers to trips in which a travel agency arranges and sells contracts for transportation, accommodation, etc. for travelers. This includes reservations, arrangements, and sales of train tickets, airline tickets, accommodation tickets, etc.
Travel consultation
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Advice necessary for travelers to make travel plans ②Creating a travel plan ③ Estimation of expenses necessary for the trip ④ Provision of information regarding travel destinations, transportation/accommodation facilities, etc. ⑤Other advice and information necessary for travel
Travel procedure agency
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Procedures for obtaining passports, visas, re-entry permits, and various certificates ②Preparation of immigration procedure documents ③Other duties related to the preceding items
Overview, requirements and required documents for each type of travel business
Type 1 travel agency
If you are registered as a Type 1 Travel Agency, the following will apply:We can handle all services for recruitment-type planned travel, order-based planned travel, and arranged travel, both domestically and overseas.
As a result, requirements such as business guarantee deposits and standard assets have become stricter.
Scope of travel business
Requirements
Planned travel contract
Arranged travel contract
Travel consultation contract
Travel procedure agency contract
Execution of recruitment-type planned travel contracts conducted by other companies on behalf of other companies
Acting on behalf of other companies to conclude custom-made planned travel contracts
Conclusion of travel arrangements arranged by other companies on your behalf
Business guarantee deposit
Standard asset amount
Recruitment type Planned travel contract
Made to order Planned travel contract
Overseas
Domestic
Type 1 travel industry
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
×
×
7,000 million yen
3,000 million yen
The terms in the table above are defined as follows:
planned trip
This refers to a trip in which a travel agency makes a travel plan, including the destination, schedule, transportation, and accommodation, and creates and sells travel products by signing contracts with service providers such as transportation agencies based on their own calculations. Masu. This applies to package tours.
Recruitment type planned trip
This refers to a planned trip in which a travel agency prepares a travel plan in advance. Travel agency registration is divided into overseas travel and domestic travel.
Made-to-order planned travel
A planned trip in which a travel agency creates a travel plan at the request of a traveler. Travel agency registration does not distinguish between overseas travel and domestic travel.
Arranged travel contract
This refers to trips in which a travel agency arranges and sells contracts for transportation, accommodation, etc. for travelers. This includes reservations, arrangements, and sales of train tickets, airline tickets, accommodation tickets, etc.
Travel consultation
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Advice necessary for travelers to make travel plans ②Creating a travel plan ③ Estimation of expenses necessary for the trip ④ Provision of information regarding travel destinations, transportation/accommodation facilities, etc. ⑤Other advice and information necessary for travel
Travel procedure agency
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Procedures for obtaining passports, visas, re-entry permits, and various certificates ②Preparation of immigration procedure documents ③Other duties related to the preceding items
Registration requirements
Description in the articles of incorporation
It is necessary to state "travel business based on the Travel Agency Act" in the purpose column of the articles of incorporation.
Standard asset amount is 3000 million yen or more
The standard asset amount is calculated using the following procedure. Total assets - Deferred assets (startup costs, etc.) - Goodwill - Total liabilities - Business guarantee amount or (*) Repayment business guarantee contribution *Repayment service guarantee deposit contribution is required when joining a travel agency association.
Appointment of handling manager
・Appointment of general/domestic travel business handling manager *For offices that handle overseas travel, a general travel operations manager must be appointed. ・Per 1 office1 people moreAppointed a travel business handling manager (full-time, full-time employee). ・Number of travel department employees10 people moreAt the office of2 people moreAppointed a travel business handling manager.
Required documents
1
Registration application form
2
Articles of Incorporation or Donation Act
3
Registered copy
4
An oath stating that there are no disqualifying matters for officers.
5
Business planning related to travel business
6
A copy of the contract regarding airline ticket issuance (if there is a contract)
7
A copy of the contract with the overseas arrangement company, etc. (if there is a contract)
8
Overview of the organization related to travel business
9
Balance sheet and income statement for the most recent business year
10
If a financial audit has been conducted by a certified public accountant or an auditing firm, the audit certificate Other than that, a copy of the tax return, etc.
11
If you join a travel agency association and become a guaranteed member of the association immediately after registration, Membership confirmation issued by the Travel Agency Association
12
Travel business handling supervisor selection list Pass certificate, resume, and oath of the selected travel service manager
13
Documents regarding accident handling system
14
travel industry contract
Type 2 travel agency
Domestic recruitment-type planned travel, order-type planned travel, and arranged travel servicesYou can do.
Scope of travel business
Requirements
Planned travel contract
Arranged travel contract
Travel consultation contract
Travel procedure agency contract
Execution of recruitment-type planned travel contracts conducted by other companies on behalf of other companies
Acting on behalf of other companies to conclude custom-made planned travel contracts
Conclusion of travel arrangements arranged by other companies on your behalf
Business guarantee deposit
Standard asset amount
Recruitment type Planned travel contract
Made to order Planned travel contract
Overseas
Domestic
Type 2 travel industry
×
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
×
×
1,100 million yen
700 million yen
The terms in the table above are defined as follows:
Registration requirements
Description in the articles of incorporation
It is necessary to state "travel business based on the Travel Agency Act" in the purpose column of the articles of incorporation.
Standard asset amount is 700 million yen or more
The standard asset amount is calculated using the following procedure. Total assets - Deferred assets (startup costs, etc.) - Goodwill - Total liabilities - Business guarantee amount or (*) Repayment business guarantee contribution *Repayment service guarantee deposit contribution is required when joining a travel agency association.
Appointment of handling manager
・Appointment of general/domestic travel business handling manager *For offices that handle overseas travel, a general travel business handling manager must be appointed. ・Appoint one or more travel business handling managers (full-time, full-time employment) per business office ・For offices with 10 or more employees in the travel department, appoint two or more travel business managers.
Required documents
1
Registration application form
2
Articles of Incorporation or Donation Act
3
Registered copy
4
An oath stating that there are no disqualifying matters for officers.
5
Business planning related to travel business
6
A copy of the contract regarding airline ticket issuance (if there is a contract)
7
A copy of the contract with the overseas arrangement company, etc. (if there is a contract)
8
Overview of the organization related to travel business
9
Balance sheet and income statement for the most recent business year
10
If a financial audit has been conducted by a certified public accountant or an auditing firm, the audit certificate Other than that, a copy of the tax return, etc.
11
If you join a travel agency association and become a guaranteed member of the association immediately after registration, Membership confirmation issued by the Travel Agency Association
12
Travel business handling supervisor selection list Pass certificate, resume, and oath of the selected travel service manager
13
Documents regarding accident handling system
14
travel industry contract
Type 3 travel agency
If you register as a Type 3 Travel Agency, the following will apply:Domestic recruitment-type planned travel, order-type planned travel, and arranged travel servicesYou can do.
Scope of travel business
Requirements
Planned travel contract
Arranged travel contract
Travel consultation contract
Travel procedure agency contract
Execution of recruitment-type planned travel contracts conducted by other companies on behalf of other companies
Acting on behalf of other companies to conclude custom-made planned travel contracts
Conclusion of travel arrangements arranged by other companies on your behalf
Business guarantee deposit
Standard asset amount
Recruitment type Planned travel contract
Made to order Planned travel contract
Overseas
Domestic
Type 3 travel industry
〇
△ *
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
×
×
300 million yen
300 million yen
*For Type 3 domestic package tours, this is only possible in the following cases. ① When the tour area is set within the city, town or village where one sales office exists for each tour, the neighboring city, town or village, and the area designated by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. ② When the tour fee is not received in advance from the start date of the tour (payment on the day)
The terms in the table above are defined as follows:
planned trip
This refers to a trip in which a travel agency makes a travel plan, including the destination, schedule, transportation, and accommodation, and creates and sells travel products by signing contracts with service providers such as transportation agencies based on their own calculations. Masu. This applies to package tours.
Recruitment type planned trip
This refers to a planned trip in which a travel agency prepares a travel plan in advance. Travel agency registration is divided into overseas travel and domestic travel.
Made-to-order planned travel
A planned trip in which a travel agency creates a travel plan at the request of a traveler. Travel agency registration does not distinguish between overseas travel and domestic travel.
Arranged travel contract
This refers to trips in which a travel agency arranges and sells contracts for transportation, accommodation, etc. for travelers. This includes reservations, arrangements, and sales of train tickets, airline tickets, accommodation tickets, etc.
Travel consultation
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Advice necessary for travelers to make travel plans ②Creating a travel plan ③ Estimation of expenses necessary for the trip ④ Provision of information regarding travel destinations, transportation/accommodation facilities, etc. ⑤Other advice and information necessary for travel
Travel procedure agency
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Procedures for obtaining passports, visas, re-entry permits, and various certificates ②Preparation of immigration procedure documents ③Other duties related to the preceding items
Registration requirements
Description in the articles of incorporation
It is necessary to state "travel business based on the Travel Agency Act" in the purpose column of the articles of incorporation.
Standard asset amount is 300 million yen or more
The standard asset amount is calculated using the following procedure. Total assets - Deferred assets (startup costs, etc.) - Goodwill - Total liabilities - Business guarantee amount or (*) Repayment business guarantee contribution *Repayment service guarantee deposit contribution is required when joining a travel agency association.
Appointment of handling manager
・Appointment of general/domestic travel business handling manager *For offices that handle overseas travel, a general travel business handling manager must be appointed. ・Per 1 office1 people moreAppointed travel business handling manager (full-time, full-time employment) ・Number of travel department employees10 people moreAt the office of2 people moreAppointed travel business handling manager
Required documents
1
Registration application form
2
Articles of Incorporation or Donation Act
3
Registered copy
4
An oath stating that there are no disqualifying matters for officers.
5
Business planning related to travel business
6
A copy of the contract regarding airline ticket issuance (if there is a contract)
7
A copy of the contract with the overseas arrangement company, etc. (if there is a contract)
8
Overview of the organization related to travel business
9
Balance sheet and income statement for the most recent business year
10
If a financial audit has been conducted by a certified public accountant or an auditing firm, the audit certificate Other than that, a copy of the tax return, etc.
11
If you join a travel agency association and become a guaranteed member of the association immediately after registration, Membership confirmation issued by the Travel Agency Association
12
Travel business handling supervisor selection list Pass certificate, resume, and oath of the selected travel service manager
13
Documents regarding accident handling system
14
travel industry contract
Regional travel agency
What is regional travel agency?A type of travel agency that can conduct planned tours, arranged tours, etc. only in limited areas such as the municipality where the business office is located and the neighboring municipalities.Promulgated on December 14, 2012,April 1, 2013It has been enforced since.
ThisA person who intends to conduct travel business only in a limited areaentry into the travel industry has become easier. (Providing community-based travel products and experience programs that take advantage of the region's unique charms, etc.)
Scope of travel business
Requirements
Planned travel contract
Arranged travel contract
Travel consultation contract
Travel procedure agency contract
Execution of recruitment-type planned travel contracts conducted by other companies on behalf of other companies
Acting on behalf of other companies to conclude custom-made planned travel contracts
Conclusion of travel arrangements arranged by other companies on your behalf
Business guarantee deposit
Standard asset amount
Recruitment type Planned travel contract
Made to order Planned travel contract
Overseas
Domestic
Region limited
×
△ *
△ *
△ *
×
×
〇
×
×
100 million yen
100 million yen
*Regarding △, for domestic travel, it is limited to the municipality where the relevant business operator's business office is located and adjacent municipalities.
The terms in the table above are defined as follows:
planned trip
This refers to a trip in which a travel agency makes a travel plan, including the destination, schedule, transportation, and accommodation, and creates and sells travel products by signing contracts with service providers such as transportation agencies based on their own calculations. Masu. This applies to package tours.
Recruitment type planned trip
This refers to a planned trip in which a travel agency prepares a travel plan in advance. Travel agency registration is divided into overseas travel and domestic travel.
Made-to-order planned travel
A planned trip in which a travel agency creates a travel plan at the request of a traveler. Travel agency registration does not distinguish between overseas travel and domestic travel.
Arranged travel contract
This refers to trips in which a travel agency arranges and sells contracts for transportation, accommodation, etc. for travelers. This includes reservations, arrangements, and sales of train tickets, airline tickets, accommodation tickets, etc.
Travel consultation
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Advice necessary for travelers to make travel plans ②Creating a travel plan ③ Estimation of expenses necessary for the trip ④ Provision of information regarding travel destinations, transportation/accommodation facilities, etc. ⑤Other advice and information necessary for travel
Travel procedure agency
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Procedures for obtaining passports, visas, re-entry permits, and various certificates ②Preparation of immigration procedure documents ③Other duties related to the preceding items
Registration requirements
Description in the articles of incorporation
It is necessary to state "travel business based on the Travel Agency Act" in the purpose column of the articles of incorporation.
Standard asset amount is 100 million yen or more
The standard asset amount is calculated using the following procedure. Total assets - Deferred assets (startup costs, etc.) - Goodwill - Total liabilities - Business guarantee amount or (*) Repayment business guarantee contribution *Repayment service guarantee deposit contribution is required when joining a travel agency association.
Appointment of handling manager
・Appointment of general/domestic travel business handling manager *For offices that handle overseas travel, a general travel operations manager must be appointed. ・Per 1 office1 people moreAppointed a travel business handling manager (full-time, full-time employee). ・Number of travel department employees10 people moreAt the office of2 people moreAppointed a travel business handling manager.
Required documents
1
Registration application form
2
Articles of Incorporation or Donation Act
3
Registered copy
4
An oath stating that there are no disqualifying matters for officers.
5
Business planning related to travel business
6
A copy of the contract regarding airline ticket issuance (if there is a contract)
7
A copy of the contract with the overseas arrangement company, etc. (if there is a contract)
8
Overview of the organization related to travel business
9
Balance sheet and income statement for the most recent business year
10
If a financial audit has been conducted by a certified public accountant or an auditing firm, the audit certificate Other than that, a copy of the tax return, etc.
11
If you join a travel agency association and become a guaranteed member of the association immediately after registration, Membership confirmation issued by the Travel Agency Association
12
Travel business handling supervisor selection list Pass certificate, resume, and oath of the selected travel service manager
13
Documents regarding accident handling system
14
travel industry contract
Travel agency agency
Travel agent agency business refers to a form of business that sells travel products of travel agencies that are registered as type 1, type 2, type 3, or regionally limited travel agents as an agent.
Only one travel agency can sell as an agent, and you will act as an agent for the travel agency you are affiliated with. You cannot represent more than one travel agent.
Scope of travel business
Requirements
Planned travel contract
Arranged travel contract
Travel consultation contract
Travel procedure agency contract
Execution of recruitment-type planned travel contracts conducted by other companies on behalf of other companies
Acting on behalf of other companies to conclude custom-made planned travel contracts
Conclusion of travel arrangements arranged by other companies on your behalf
Business guarantee deposit
Standard asset amount
Recruitment type Planned travel contract
Made to order Planned travel contract
Overseas
Domestic
Travel agency agency
〇※
〇 *
〇 *
〇 *
×
〇 *
〇 *
×
×
None
None
*Depends on the contract handled by the travel agency selling travel products.
The terms in the table above are defined as follows:
planned trip
This refers to a trip in which a travel agency makes a travel plan, including the destination, schedule, transportation, and accommodation, and creates and sells travel products by signing contracts with service providers such as transportation agencies based on their own calculations. Masu. This applies to package tours.
Recruitment type planned trip
This refers to a planned trip in which a travel agency prepares a travel plan in advance. Travel agency registration is divided into overseas travel and domestic travel.
Made-to-order planned travel
A planned trip in which a travel agency creates a travel plan at the request of a traveler. Travel agency registration does not distinguish between overseas travel and domestic travel.
Arranged travel contract
This refers to trips in which a travel agency arranges and sells contracts for transportation, accommodation, etc. for travelers. This includes reservations, arrangements, and sales of train tickets, airline tickets, accommodation tickets, etc.
Travel consultation
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Advice necessary for travelers to make travel plans ②Creating a travel plan ③ Estimation of expenses necessary for the trip ④ Provision of information regarding travel destinations, transportation/accommodation facilities, etc. ⑤Other advice and information necessary for travel
Travel procedure agency
This refers to a contract under which a traveler undertakes to perform the following tasks. ①Procedures for obtaining passports, visas, re-entry permits, and various certificates ②Preparation of immigration procedure documents ③Other duties related to the preceding items
Registration requirements
Description in the articles of incorporation
It is necessary to state "travel business based on the Travel Agency Act" in the purpose column of the articles of incorporation.
Appointment of handling manager
・Appointment of general/domestic travel business handling manager *For offices that handle overseas travel, a general travel operations manager must be appointed. - Appoint one or more travel business handling managers (full-time, full-time employment) for each office. ・For offices with 10 or more employees in the travel department, appoint two or more travel business managers.
Contract with travel agent
You must have an agency agreement in place with the travel agency you intend to sell travel products to.
Required documents
1
Registration application form
2
Articles of Incorporation or Donation Act
3
Registered copy
4
An oath stating that there are no disqualifying matters for officers.
5
Business planning related to travel business
6
Overview of the organization related to travel business
7
Travel business handling supervisor selection list Pass certificate, resume, and oath of the selected travel service manager
8
Copy of agency contract
Procedure for registration of change of type
The following documents are required to apply for a change of registration between Type 3 ⇔ Type 2/Type 3 ⇔ Type 1/Type 2 ⇔ Type 1.
Required documents
1
Change registration application form
2
Business planning related to travel business
3
Overview of the organization related to travel business
4
Copies of the most recent “corporate tax return” and attached documents
5
Travel business handling supervisor selection list Pass certificate, resume, and oath of the selected travel service manager
6
Standard travel contract
7
Copy of deposition statement or contribution payment statement
Procedures for renewal registration and change of registered information
Update registration
The validity period of travel agency registration is5 yearsIf you wish to continue your business after the expiration date, you must apply for renewal at least two months before the expiration date.
Required documents
1
Renewal registration application form
2
Articles of Incorporation or Donation Act
3
Registered copy
4
An oath stating that there are no disqualifying matters for officers.
5
Business planning related to travel business
6
A copy of the contract regarding airline ticket issuance (if there is a contract)
7
A copy of the contract with the overseas arrangement company, etc. (if there is a contract)
8
Overview of the organization related to travel business
9
Copies of the most recent “corporate tax return” and attached documents
10
Travel business handling supervisor selection list Pass certificate, resume, and oath of the selected travel service manager
11
Documents regarding accident handling system
12
Copy of deposition statement or contribution payment statement
Changes to registration details
If there is a change in the registered matters listed below, a registered travel agent will be notified from the date of the change.Within 30 days from the day of enrollmentYou must submit a notification of change.
Changes that require notification are as follows.
Notifier
Notification contents
Travel agents/travel agent agents
Change of Name
Relocation of head office location (address for individuals)
Trade name change
Change of representative
Establishment of new sales office
Change of name of main office
Other office name changes
Change of location of main office
Change of location of other business offices
Abolition of office
Travel agents only
Establishment of new agency
Abolition of agency
Agent address change
Agent name change
Establishment of new agency office
Change of name of agency office
Change of location of agent office
Change of location of agent office
Travel agents/travel agent agents
Change of name of affiliated travel agency
Change of location of affiliated travel agency
Travel business registration Q&A
①Is the travel agency application form the correct place to submit it to?
In the case of Type 2 and Type 3, it is each prefecture. In the case of Type 1, it must be submitted to the Japan Tourism Agency via the Regional Transport Bureau.
②What is a planned trip?
Organized travel is when a travel agency makes a travel plan, including the destination, itinerary, transportation, and lodging, and creates and sells travel products by signing contracts with service providers such as transportation agencies based on their own calculations. It refers to travel. This applies to package tours.
③What is an arranged trip?
Arranged travel is travel in which a travel agency arranges and sells contracts for transportation, accommodation, etc. for travelers. This includes the reservation, arrangement, and sale of train tickets, airline tickets, accommodation vouchers, etc.
④How long does the review take?
Although it differs depending on each prefecture, in the case of Tokyo, it takes about one month from the time the application is received.
⑤Can I operate a travel business without joining a travel agency association?
Joining the association is optional, but if you do not join, you will be required to deposit a business security deposit. If you join the association, the deposit (contribution) will be reduced to 1/6.
⑥What procedures are required after registration?
The validity period is five years, and renewal procedures must be completed two months before the expiration date, and a transaction performance report must be submitted within 100 days of the fiscal year. If there are any changes to the registered information, a change notification must be submitted within 30 days.
⑦What should I do to become a designated business operator handling tourist trips from China?
First, you need to be registered as a Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 travel agency. In addition, you need to be "designated" by the Japan Tourism Agency.
⑧Do I also need to join the China Federation Association when handling business travel from China?
In the case of business, there is no need to be designated by the Japan Tourism Agency or join the Japan Tourism Association. The Japan Tourism Agency's designation is required in order to issue an "Invitation Guarantee" when Chinese nationals apply for a tourist visa to visit Japan for tourism. In the case of business travel, the "Invitation Guarantee" is issued by the inviting party (usually a company).
⑨Is it not possible to handle group tourism just by meeting the requirements set forth by the Communist Party of China (“Requirements for when planning to handle only individual tourism trips”)?
For travel industry procedures, please contact Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation.
At Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation, we provide procedural support and consulting related to the Travel Agency Act, from those newly registering a travel agency to those who already have a travel agency registration.
Our staff has a track record of applying in all prefectures across the country. Please contact us by all means.
