Signage to Boost Tourism in Niagara, N.Y.

Niagara Falls, N.Y., and the New York Department of Transportation are planning to introduce new signs that officials hope will draw tourists to the city's downtown. One of the new signs will replace a sign on the Robert Moses Parkway near the city's exit ramp onto John B. Daly Boulevard. That sign, which is next to another sign directing motorists to the state park, simply reads "city traffic." Such an unappealing message is doing nothing to lure tourists to the downtown area before they visit the falls and state parks, according to Tourism Advisory Board Chairman Jerry Genova. As a result, the state Department of Transportation is planning to change the sign so that it highlights area attractions, though the exact wording of the new sign has yet to be determined. Meanwhile, the city is working with the DOT to install seven signs between the I-190 exit on Niagara Falls Boulevard to Pine Avenue and Main Street to direct tourists into neighborhoods downtown. Those signs will display the distance to the falls and will direct tourists to gas, lodging, shopping, and restaurants. In addition, the city is planning to install a wayfinding signage system that will provide more specific details and directions to area attractions, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment. (Web Link)

"Message Finally Coming Through"
Niagara Gazette (08/23/08) Forgione, Rick