Tour Planner License

In order to ensure that residents and visitors have options related to tours and hospitality in New Orleans, the City regulates the issuance and renewal of licenses to Tour Planners. Tour Planners are required to maintain liability insurance, and maintain the authority to do business with the State and the City Bureau of Revenue. Please familiarize yourself with New Orleans City Code New Orleans City Code Chapter 30 and govern yourself accordingly.

There are 2 types of Tour Planner Licenses as defined below:

  • Tour Planner (Category 1):   All parties, except CPNC holders, contracting to provide transportation services within the parish in for-hire vehicles through CPNC companies must be licensed by the department of safety and permits as tour planners. A tour planner license does not give the licensee any right to sell sightseeing tours on a per-capita basis unless the permit holder has been granted by written contract the exclusive right to sell per capita tours to a particular convention or conference group, in which case the license holder is authorized to sell sightseeing tours on a per capita basis only to members of that group to whom the party is granted this exclusive right by contract.
  • Tour Company (Category 2): Any person or entity marketing, selling, scheduling, arranging, or organizing tours to be conducted on the public right of way, regardless of whether such tours are conducted by employees, independent contractors, or any other person representing said person or entity, must be licensed by the department of safety and permits as tour planners. Such person or entity is responsible for maintaining compliance with all regulations of this Article. Issuance of a tour planner permit does not convey any legal authorization to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic on the streets, sidewalks, banquettes, or other publicly owned right-of-way. Tour Planners holding a license under this category are considered a "tour company".

Duration

All Tour Planner licenses expire annually on December 31.

Restrictions

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Currently reside in Orleans Parish
  • All changes of individuals authorized to conduct business on behalf of the company shall be reported to the Ground Transportation Bureau within ten (10) working days of such changes. The failure to certify within such time or to possess the qualifications required of the individuals under this article shall be cause for the suspension of license held by such corporation, association, or partnership
  • A Tour Planner License may be either suspended or revoked by the Director of the Department of Safety and Permits for the following causes:
  • Violations of rules and regulations of conduct and ethics established by the Department of safety and Permits;
  • Nonpayment of fees; or
  • Issuance of a license on the basis of false and/or incomplete information furnished by the applicant
  • All Tour Planners must maintain a business office with a telephone number in Orleans Parish
  • All Tour Planner licenses expire annually on December 31. The Tour Planner (Category 1) License shall be applied for and renewed at a fee of $500.00 and provision of evidence that the business continues to possess the necessary qualifications for holding a Tour Planner License. The Tour Company (Category 2) License shall be applied for and renewed at a fee of $1,000.00 and provision of evidence that the business continues to possess the necessary qualifications for holding a Tour Planner License

Fees

  • $500.00 per year for Tour Planners (Category 1)
  • $1,000.00 per year for Tour Companies (Category 2)

Required Documents

All required documents must be delivered in person to New Orleans City Hall at 1300 Perdido Street, One Stop Shop, 7th floor, New Orleans, LA 70112

  • Completed application
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence. Acceptable Documents: Birth Certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, valid U.S. Passport, Permanent Residence Card
  • Proof of Residency (must be a resident of Orleans Parish) - Acceptable Documents: Utility bill, water bill, landline telephone bill, mortgage/rental agreement in applicant’s name
  • Orleans Parish Occupational/General Business License (Business required to maintain a business office in Orleans Parish)
  • Comprehensive Liability Insurance must be obtained in the amount of $300,000.00
  • A Fidelity Bond in the amount of $10,000.00 shall be secured by the business
  • Federal background check ($50 money order only to New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB), allow 5-7 days for results) Testing Facility Information  NOTE: Tour Planners are not required to complete a drug test.
Service provided by

Ground Transportation Bureau

(504) 658-7170 Email
1300 Perdido Street 6W03 New Orleans, LA 70112

8am—4pm
Monday—Friday

The Ground Transportation Bureau office is closed to the public. All applications must be emailed to gtb@nola.gov. Payments may be paid online or mailed to our office.