Tourism signing
Overview
Tourism amenities are divided into two main categories: attractions and facilities.
An attraction includes establishments which are covered by the original tourism definition, i.e. places of interest open to the public offering recreation, education or historical interest. Such as craft centres, museums, natural attractions, camping and caravan sites, leisure complexes and theme parks. Signing will be permitted for any new destinations of these types.
A facility covers establishments which provide a service, i.e. accommodation, restaurants, public houses, shops, cinemas and theatres.
The following requirements must be complied with to ensure that quality standards are maintained. To qualify for brown and white signs, an attraction must:
- meet the standards of the Citizens Charter of the English Tourist Board
- have a minimum opening of 150 days per year, and for at least four hours per day (there are some attractions and facilities which are not open for this period that could also qualify due to their tourism value)
- provide an appropriate level of car parking, catering and toilet facilities for the expected number of visitors
- be available for use by the public during opening hours without the need for pre-booking or membership
- attract visitors from outside the local area
- demonstrate that the destination is publicised as a tourism attraction or facility and advertises itself in tourism promotions
And must comply with all appropriate statutory requirements such as:
- accommodation and inspection certificate
- visitors charter
- liquor licenses
- Registration under the Food Safety Act 1990
- environmental health issues
- planning permissions
- Public Health Act 1936
- Caravan Sites and Control Development Act 1960
