Apply for a Tourism & Recreation Consultants Business License in Dubai
Dubai's tourism sector continues to break records, welcoming over 17 million international visitors in 2023 and targeting 25 million annually by 2025. Behind every successful visitor experience stands a layer of specialist advisory work, and that is precisely where tourism and recreation consultants thrive. If you are looking to establish a professional consultancy in this space, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a structured, cost-effective route to market under Activity Code 7020.94.
What the Tourism & Recreation Consultants Business License Covers
A Tourism & Recreation Consultants Business License (Activity Code 7020.94, Category: Professional) authorises the holder to provide expert advisory and management consultancy services across the full spectrum of tourism and leisure. Permitted activities typically include:
Strategic planning and feasibility studies for tourism projects
Destination management consultancy
Recreation facility design and operational advisory
Tourism marketing strategy and visitor experience consulting
Hospitality and leisure sector business development advice
Sustainability and eco-tourism planning
The license is classified as a Professional Business License, meaning it is tied to the expertise and qualifications of the named consultant or consultancy firm rather than to a physical retail or trading operation.
Who Is This License Best Suited To?
This license is ideal for a broad range of professionals and organisations, including:
Independent tourism consultants relocating to or entering the UAE market
International consultancy firms seeking a GCC regional base
Hospitality and leisure management professionals launching boutique advisory practices
Event and entertainment strategists serving tourism clients
Entrepreneurs building tech-enabled tourism advisory platforms
Why Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone?
Dubai South is positioned adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world's largest airport upon completion. This location gives tourism consultants unrivalled access to aviation, logistics, and hospitality infrastructure. The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, zero personal income tax, and a streamlined digital registration process.
Key Stats at a Glance
Activity Code: 7020.94
License Type: Business License (Professional Category)
Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted
Corporate Tax: 0% on qualifying free zone income
UAE Tourism Visitors (2023): 17+ million
UAE Tourism GDP Contribution: Approx. 12% of national GDP
Typical License Setup Timeline: 3 to 7 working days
Setup Costs and Steps
Costs vary depending on office package and visa requirements, but the general setup process follows these steps:
Select your business activity (7020.94) and confirm the Professional license category
Submit your application via the Dubai South Business Hub portal with required documents
Provide passport copies, a business plan summary, and proof of professional qualifications
Pay the applicable license and registration fees
Receive your trade license and proceed with visa and bank account applications
License fees typically start from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 per year depending on the package selected. Flexi-desk and virtual office options are available, making this accessible for solo consultants as well as growing teams.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Holders of this license must maintain valid professional indemnity insurance where applicable, renew the license annually, and ensure any sub-activities align with the approved scope. Consultants advising on UAE-based tourism projects may also need to coordinate with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for specific project approvals.
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