Tourism Signage
Tourism Signage
Tourism Signage serve essential functions, such as providing information about local attractions, landmarks, and points of interest. They include location signs and route markers to help tourists navigate and explore the area more easily. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism facilitates tourism signage applications, making destinations and attractions more accessible while also improving visitor safety.
How to apply for Tourism Signage
Who can apply for tourism signs?
Tourism facility and attraction owners can apply for tourism signs. Approval will be based on the quality of the facility or service, the necessity of the sign in a specific location, and whether its installation would pose a traffic hazard.
Where are tourism signs erected?
Tourism signs are placed starting from the nearest numbered route, with additional signs leading to the facility. In urban areas with a high concentration of attractions, it may not be feasible to display each facility by name, so generic signs may be used instead.
Who pays for a tourism sign?
The applicant is responsible for covering the costs of manufacturing and installing the sign. Once installed, the sign becomes the property of the road authority.
Where to apply for a tourism sign?
All applications should be submitted to your nearest Local Tourism Organisation (e.g. Cape Town Tourism). Only applications endorsed by the Local Tourism Organisation will be reviewed by the relevant road authority.
Which information can be displayed on a tourism sign?
To ensure accessibility for all tourists, regardless of the language they speak and read, facilities are identified using symbols. Due to the high demand for signage, only symbols are used on numbered metropolitan routes, which makes listing establishments unsustainable. On smaller side roads, where there is less demand, the establishment's name and, in some cases, the distance may also be included. Telephone numbers on these signs.
Requirements to apply for a tourism sign?
To qualify for Tourism Signage approval, an establishment must meet specific criteria and ensure its business operations comply with the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM) requirements.
The following documents must be included in the application for it to be considered:
- A valid and up-to-date liquor license for restaurants and wine farms
- Zoning certificate from the Municipality
- Certificate of acceptability for food premises, if the establishment serves food
- Grading Certificate from the grading council
The application form must be signed by the owner or manager of the establishment. It should be submitted along with the required documents to the Local Tourism Office, where it will be presented at the Regional Tourism Liaison Committee Meeting.
Application procedure
- Owners of registered tourist attractions or facilities can obtain application forms and process details from the Local Tourism Organisation. Completed forms and supporting documents must be submitted, and a fee is required for inspection and processing. Applications are only considered by the road authority if recommended by the Local Tourism Organisation.
- The Local Tourism Organisation evaluates the application, ensuring compliance with standards (warrants) that guarantee quality for tourists. If the application is not recommended, the applicant will be informed of the reason.
- Recommended applications are sent to the Regional Tourism Liaison Committee (RTLC), consisting of road authorities and tourism representatives. Road governance varies: SANRAL for national roads, the Provincial Roads Department for provincial roads, District Councils for district roads, and the Municipal Council for city streets. Requirements differ by road status, with stricter rules for higher-mobility roads.
- Once reviewed, the road authority considers technical factors like sign placement and existing signage. If rejected, the applicant is informed of the reason.
- Upon approval, the applicant receives a signed design and a list of approved manufacturers. The applicant must hire a manufacturer and cover all costs.
Key Conditions
- The sign becomes the property of the road authority after installation and can be relocated or removed at their discretion.
- The applicant is responsible for sign maintenance.
- If the facility no longer meets standards, the sign may be removed.
- The sign cannot be used for advertising.
- Approval is valid for five years.
Contact us
For more information, please contact us at DEDAT.SectorSupport@westerncape.gov.za
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