487 - Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation

When it comes to exploring the world's most breathtaking landscapes, scenic and sightseeing transportation plays a crucial role. Under NAICS Code 487, this industry is dedicated to providing memorable tours and excursions that allow travelers to experience unique and scenic locations via land, water, or air. Whether you're interested in a serene boat cruise, an exciting bus tour, or an aerial flight over iconic sights, NAICS 487 businesses make these experiences possible.

What is NAICS Code 487?

NAICS Code 487 corresponds to the Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation industry. This classification covers establishments whose primary business activity involves providing transportation services specifically for sightseeing and scenic tours. These services are typically offered in areas known for their natural beauty, historic value, or cultural significance.

Key Characteristics:

• Primary Activity: Providing transportation services for sightseeing purposes.
• Modes of Transport: Land, water, and air.
• Service Focus: Tours and excursions in unique or scenic locations.

Industry Sector: Transportation and Warehousing

NAICS Code 487 falls under the broader Transportation and Warehousing sector. This sector encompasses industries involved in the movement of passengers and cargo, as well as warehousing and storage for goods. Within this sector, Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation focuses specifically on passenger services geared toward tourism and exploration.

Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 487

Businesses classified under NAICS 487 engage in a variety of scenic and sightseeing transportation activities, including:

• Sightseeing bus tours in urban or rural areas.
• Scenic boat cruises along rivers, lakes, or coastal regions.
• Aerial sightseeing flights such as helicopter tours, hot air balloon rides, or small aircraft tours.

These services are designed not only to transport passengers but to enrich their travel experiences by offering unique views and insights into the scenery or culture of a destination.

Small Business Size Standards for NAICS 487

For businesses to qualify as small under NAICS Code 487, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) establishes size standards primarily based on annual revenue or number of employees. These criteria determine eligibility for government contracts and programs supporting small businesses.

• Size Standard: Typically, scenic and sightseeing transportation businesses are considered small if they have 500 or fewer employees.
• Some variations may apply depending on the specific type of scenic transportation service offered.

Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 487

Here are examples of businesses that operate within the scope of NAICS Code 487:

• Companies offering sightseeing bus tours of city landmarks or national parks.
• Operators of scenic boat cruises, like riverboat or whale-watching tours.
• Providers of aerial sightseeing tours, including helicopter rides over landmarks or hot air balloon adventures.

These businesses serve the tourism industry and contribute significantly to local economies by attracting visitors seeking memorable experiences.

NAICS Code 487 Details Table

NAICS Code	Title	Description	Sector	Size Standard	Typical Business Activities
487	Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation	Establishments primarily engaged in scenic and sightseeing transportation services such as tours/excursions by land, water, or air.	Transportation & Warehousing	≤ 500 employees	Sightseeing bus tours, scenic boat cruises, aerial sightseeing flights

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of transportation are covered under NAICS 487?

NAICS 487 includes scenic and sightseeing tours offered by land vehicles (buses, cars), watercraft (boats, ships), and aircraft (helicopters, small planes).

Can a business be classified under multiple NAICS codes?

Yes, some businesses may have multiple activities qualifying for different NAICS codes, but their primary service determines their main NAICS classification.

How does NAICS code 487 support tourism?

By providing specialized transportation services that enhance tourist experiences, businesses under this code help promote regional attractions and boost local tourism economies.

Where can I find official NAICS code definitions and updates?

The U.S. Census Bureau maintains the official NAICS website, regularly updating codes and descriptions: www.naics.com

---

Scenic and sightseeing transportation is a vibrant industry that opens the door to unforgettable travel experiences. Businesses under NAICS Code 487 continue to play a vital role in connecting people with the world's most beautiful and fascinating destinations. Whether you're operating a bus tour or offering aerial views from above, understanding this NAICS classification helps streamline business operations, government contracting, and industry analysis.