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Enhancing Community Signage and Visitor Experience. Created by Chrystal Stone B.T.M. Malaspina University-College & Nicole Vaugeois, PhD TRIP Project Coordinator . Presentation Outline. The importance of strong signage Examples of strong signage Steps to enhancing community signage
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Enhancing Community Signage and Visitor Experience Created by Chrystal Stone B.T.M. Malaspina University-College & Nicole Vaugeois, PhD TRIP Project Coordinator
Presentation Outline • The importance of strong signage • Examples of strong signage • Steps to enhancing community signage • Resources to help you succeed
What is a Sign? “An inscribed board, plate or space that provides information, warning or guidance.” (Trapp, Gross & Zimmerman, 1994)
Why is a community signage manual important? • Tourism is a major economic driver – not reaching full potential in rural and small communities • Safety of residents and visitors is paramount • Need to better identify tourism product – for increased impact • Need to make signage easier to understand.
What does signage accomplish? Enhances Access– directional, informational or both, advance notice, facilitate safe decisions • Improves Visitor Experience– paired with maps, relieves stress, affirms location and helps travelers make informed decisions, • Boosts Visitation– informs, entices, identifies attractions, events and businesses, and allows them to learn more
Key Point For any community that is serious about tourism, building greater visitor accessibility and convenience is critical to industry development.
Visitors are WAYFINDING by Seeing Reading Hearing Learning Destinations should be WAYSHOWING by… Drawing Writing Speaking Teaching Show the way…
Types of Signage • Entrance signs • Information signs • Service and attraction signs • Tourist oriented directional signs (TODS) • Business logo signs • Interpretive signs
A community signage program • Uses all types of signage • Ensures there are no gaps for the visitor • Uses consistent signage (colours, theme)
Key Point Visitors need clear and consistent signage to show them, remind them and direct them to resources in the community.
Components of a Sign • Sign Faces – greet the visitor • Sign Panels – materials used • Sign Supports – link to features of area
Tips for Designing Signs • Grab their attention • Make them want to read further • It should be easy to read • Keep it uniform
Key Point It is important to recognize that travelers may have inherently different preferences and travel abilities to enjoy a successful travel experience.
BC Provincial Parks – symbol system Agri-tourism & Wine Tourism Signage Examples of Regional Signage Programs
Village of Clinton use of western themed heritage City of Nanaimo harborfront theme Examples of Community Signage
6 Steps to Help You Create a Community Signage Program Step #1 - Create an inventory of assets Step #2 - Get the visitor’s perspective Step #3 - Determine what is required
6 Steps, continued… Step #4 - Determine responsibilities Step #5 - Develop and set up signage Step #6 - Monitor effectiveness
Helpful Resources • BC Ministry of Transportation - Regional Contacts • BC Ministry of Transportation - Provincial Sign Shop • Tourism BC • Tourism Research Innovation Project • Sign Association of Canada
Online Resources • Ministry of Transportation Sign Catalogue • Service & Attraction Sign Manual (January 2005) A Directional Signing Program for Tourist Services, Facilities and Attractions • Policy Manual for Supplemental Signs Ministry of Transportation Engineering Branch
Thank You • Questions?