ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TOURISM SIGNAGE IN LIMPOPO
WHAT IS TOURISM SIGNAGE?
Tourism signs are a means of passing a message to a large number of people without having to
be there yourself. An aid meant to guide the tourist to his/her destinations. Tourism signs
have a white generic symbols and lettering which are used on a brown background.
The message may be in words but often a drawing or a symbol.
TYPES OF SIGNAGE
There are two main types of tourism signs used: road signs, which tells where
to go and what type of attraction they will find there and advertising signs such as those
used by bed and breakfast places or which tells people about events such as tourism celebrations.
WHY IS TOURISM SIGNAGE NEEDED?
Signage is a powerful, exciting way of letting people knows what type of tourism products can be
found in a place. It gives customers a better idea of what is available for them. If we design ,
use and managed our tourism signage well it will be an effective silent , sales-media which could
attract attention , give customers information and lead them to the right product.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR A TOURISM SIGNAGE?
Owners of tourist facilities (attractions or services) may apply for Tourism signs. Approval for
tourism sign will depend on the quality of the facility or services, the need for such a sign at a
given point, and on whether the sign can be erected without causing a traffic hazard.
WHERE CAN TOURISM SIGNS BE ERECTED?
Tourism signs are erected from the nearest numbered route or T-numbered route with successive
signs to the facility or service if necessary. In urban areas, where there is a congestion of facilities,
it may not be possible to display individual attractions by name, in which case generic symbol signs may be used.
WHY CONTROL OF SIGNAGE IS NECESSARY?
Signage affects the way people behave. An area with a large number of signs, or with signs
that may be hard to read, is likely to attract too much of the drivers attention and cause
accidents. The positive benefits of tourism signage will only happen if everybody works together
and follows the signage policy laid out by authorities.
WHAT POLICIES NEED TO BE FOLLOWED?
Road Traffic Signs , tourism direction signs and outdoor advertising are controlled by National , Provincial
and Local legislation, the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual ( SARTSM ) and the South African Manual for
Outdoor Advertising Control ( SAMOAC ). In addition, Local municipalities are applying their own by-laws and
the manufacture of signs is subject to various regulations from the South African Bureau of Standards.
IS ALL SIGNAGE CONTROLLED?
All tourism road signage is controlled, except the following advertising signs: signs displayed inside a sports
stadium, signs displayed in an arcade, any National flag, any banner or flag carried through the streets as
part of the procession.
WHO TO CONTACT?
Tourism road signs, which you may want to put along a freeway or main roads are controlled by National and Provincial
road authorities. Tourism roads signs along a local road, and /or tourism advertising within or outside the property's
boundary are controlled by municipalities.
NB: All tourism signs applications should be addressed to nearest local tourism office / organization. Only applications
recommended by the tourism office / organization will be considered by the relevant road authority. Contact details for
the tourism offices / organization are at the end of this brochure.
WHICH INFORMATION TO BE DISPLAYED ON TOURISM SIGNS?
Approved symbols are used to identify tourism facilities or attractions. Other than symbols,
the name of the establishment, and in some cases the distance can be added.
PAYMENT OF FEES
Most authorities charge a fee when you submit your application. This fee depends on the authority and
the type of signage you are applying for. The applicant pays for the design, manufacturing, erection and
maintenance of individual tourism sign. Once it has been erected, it becomes the property of the road authority.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR SIGNAGE
- Amenity and decency :must not be detrimental to natural or human environment, have a message which offends public morale, or obscure a legal sign owned by another person.
- Safety : must not be a danger to other people or property , especially road users.
- Design and Construction : signs should be made from a durable material and steps taken to avoid corrosion. Firmly constructed not to be blown by wind.
- Maintenance : Signs should be erected in such a way that vandalism is discouraged. They must be maintained in good repair and serviced regularly.
- Position Restriction : Restriction such as the angle at which the sign faces the traffic, the number of signs on an intersection, spacing between signs.
STEP IN SECURING SIGNAGE
Permission for your signage must be obtained from the different road authorities. To do this follow all steps below:
Step 1: The facility obtains Application forms from the nearest local tourism offices / organization, information centre and municipality.
Step 2: The facility owner submits an application for facility signing to the Local Tourism offices/ Organization.
Step 3: The Local tourism organization evaluates the facility for classification, features and general standards. This information is needed
for the tourism organization database as well as for the facility signs approval.
Step 4: An accreditation or grading organization assesses the facilities quality standards (if relevant) for recommendation accreditation or grading purposes.
Step 5: Should the tourism office / organization after evaluation of the application not recommend its approval; the reason will be given to the applicant.
The road authorities will not consider any application unless it is recommended by the tourism office / organization.
Step 6: The Regional Tourism Liaison Committee verifies the above assessment and also consult with the Industry and Consumer / environment protection
bodies for their comments or complaints. Thereafter follows the approval or non- approval. The relevant information distribution bodies e.g. Mapmakers,
Info Africa will be notified. The RTLC will agree on implementation responsibilities regarding funding, design, manufacture, erection and monitoring
Step 7: Notification to the applicant of approval or non-approval.
Step 8: The applicant accepts the proposal in writing and terms for signing.
Step 9: Implementation of facilities signing by the road authority or by their approved consultant or sign manufacturer.
Step 10: the most important terms of agreement are:
- Once the sign has been put up, it becomes the property of the road authority, and may be changed, moved or removed at their discretion.
- The applicant remains responsible for the upkeep / maintenance of the sign. If the applicant no longer complies with the norms the road authority may remove the sign.
- The sign may not be used for advertising purposes.
- The road authority and / or the tourism body can inspect the facility at any time.
LIST OF USEFUL CONTACTS
Download Application Form here
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