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If you think that neon signs are just meant for your interiors or as a feature of bustling cityscapes, then you are in for a revelation. In reality, the potential of neon signs goes much deeper, where they have taken center stage in defining the identity of popular tourist destinations worldwide.
Whether it's the dazzling spectacle at Times Square or the vintage glow at Las Vegas, neon signs are at the forefront of creating unforgettable experiences for visitors. But what is it about neon signs that have made them so intrinsic to tourism?
In this article, we set out to explore the world’s most famous locations illuminated by neon signs, the role of neon signs in shaping the identity of tourist destinations and finally, how neon signs can amplify the appeal of beautiful vistas.
Iconic Locations and Popular Tourist Destinations Featuring Neon Signs
1. Times Square, New York City
Widely hailed as the heart of New York City, Times Square displays a stunning display of thousands of neon signs. Times Square is pulsating with vibrant energy thanks to the massive digital billboards and neon advertisements that have come to define NYC. It’s the city’s electrifying urban culture that has made NYC one of the best-loved tourist attractions in the world.
2. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
Las Vegas holds the distinction of being the neon capital of the world, and rightly so. Any image of Las Vegas would be incomplete without a plethora of neon signs, from the timeless "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign to the endless marquees that dot the city. In fact, neon signs are at the city's core as represented by The Neon Boneyard, which has preserved the oldest neon signs.
3. Shibuya and Shinjuku, Tokyo
Japan has established itself as a neon wonderland, making it no less a paradise for a photographer seeking to capture it in its full neon glory. The districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku feature neon-lit storefronts, karaoke bars, and billboards that have catapulted it to the center of tourist attention.
The futuristic appeal of Tokyo draws in part from the glowing signage that is scattered across the city. These areas have endeared tourists due to their vibrant nightlife and high-energy atmosphere, who then immortalize memories of time spent in these districts in countless travel photos and social media posts.
4. Piccadilly Circus, London
London’s Piccadilly Circus can be seen as the counterpart of Times Square, which prides itself on its legacy of being a neon landmark for over a century. Despite the fact that LED displays have taken over many original neon signs, the city has managed to retain a unique neo-lit vibe that forms the perfect backdrop for advertising and entertainment.
5. The Neon Museum, Las Vegas
The Neon Museum is the focal point for neon enthusiasts who are intrigued by the history of the iconic Las Vegas Signage. The museum transports visitors into a thrilling journey into the past that unravels how Neon has evolved over centuries, both in terms of fostering the brand of Las Vegas and as a tourist hub.
Neon's Influence on the Character of Tourist Hotspots
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Branding
The presence of neon signs makes them a visual signature that defines the city's character. It's hard to miss the appeal of the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign on entering Vegas City or dynamic Hong Kong streets buzzing with the radiant neon signs. Over a period of time, these signs cease to be material and instead shape the image of a city globally. -
Enhanced Tourist Appeal
Nightlife has been synonymous with neon lights for decades. Neon lights can transform an ordinary street into a hot and happening destination. The presence of neon signs has been shown to contribute to a drastic rise in foot traffic, especially at night in cities that have a high number of neon signs. A neon signage has a magnet-like charm that pulls tourists who are searching for immersive and photogenic scenarios, be it a neon-lit boulevard or a custom sign marking a historic district. -
Stir up Nostalgia
Cities like Los Angeles and Miami boast quite many neon signs that have survived till today and become a vital part of their heritage. Vintage neon signs are not simply relics from the past but carry immense historical value as markers of an entire era. No wonder these neon signs evoke nostalgia among tourists and give them a reason to keep returning to these places to revive memories of good old times. -
Instagram Worthy Pics
The modern-day tourism industry relies on social media to boost fanfare, and neon signs make for some serious Instagram-worthy backdrops. A well-placed neon sign can turn into a viral sensation that piques the interest of other influencers and travelers to capture the beauty of these neon signs in their personal albums.
Neon Sign Ideas for Popular Tourist Destinations
1. City Welcome Signs
A custom neon sign placed right at the entrance creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the get-go. These signs can set the tone and expectations for first-time visitors, such as a glowing “Welcome to Miami Beach “ sign or the name of a city etched in bold neon script.
2. Neon-Lit Street Names and Landmarks
Adding a neon name sign to a tourist spot boosts the visibility quotient to a remarkable degree. Neon signs offer the right mix of details and sophistication to a locale that accentuates its charm and appeal. A greeting by a splendid "Hollywood Boulevard" sign or a neon-lit Chinatown gate can lend a distinguishing touch to these landmarks and get people talking.
3. Neon Signs for Festivals and Seasonal Displays
Neons have assumed an essential place in the festivities that take place in major cities. Here, neon signs are customized in line with the theme of the event to stir up curiosity, whether it is for a street market or an annual festival. Neon displays are also extensively used during particular seasons to create an immersive and eye-catching atmosphere for visitors. Whatever the occasion, these creative neon designs are set to be a fitting addition to your celebrations.
4. Neon Art Work
Neon signs have also made their way into public art projects as evident in murals that are a key component of urban landscapes. Tourists are forever seeking out unique and creative experiences, and blending neon lights with artistic expressions is a great way to capture their attention and bring a city to life.
5. Business Signage for Tourism Hotspots
As local businesses prepare for the tourist season, custom neon signs can help make them more conspicuous for prospective customers. Whether it's a hotel, restaurant or a souvenir, neon signs can be used strategically to help create an aura that helps you stand out even in the midst of crowds. Check out our collection of bold and exciting business neon designs and discover how it works as a free marketing tool to advance your business goals.
Significance of Custom Neon Signs for Tourist Destinations
The link between Custom Neon and Tourism
Custom neon signs can be readily adapted to the vibe and energy of a city, hence turning it into a brand that resonates with visitors on a deeper level. Custom neon signs make a striking impression on travelers, whether they take the form of an elaborate neon sculpture or a simple bright slogan. Neon signs can go a long way towards enhancing the experience for visitors while elevating your tourist brand as a whole.
LED Neon Signs
For all their visual appeal, modern LED neon signs are highly energy-efficient and durable, too. This gives them an edge over traditional neon when it comes to neon installations since they are low on maintenance, and environmentally friendly LED neon signs run on a far lower voltage than traditional neon, which means greater prospects for cost savings. When you opt for a large neon sign or an outdoor display, the costs are reduced by at least 20%.
Create Custom Neon Signs for Your Destination
If you are eager to give your location an upgrade, then there is no better and cost-effective way to do it than with custom neon signs. A custom neon sign can give your city the right exposure among tourists and make it truly irresistible for them. Design a Custom Neon Sign today and realize your vision of making your location a desirable tourist hub.
At Lamomo, we offer a hassle-free and intuitive way to customize your neon sign with your preferred text, font and color palette. Unleash your imagination to create an eye-catching personalized neon design for your home, bar or business.
Final Words
Neon lights are more than just lights– they have a way of molding into the culture of a place and, in turn, infuse it with a lively personality and an infectious spirit. In a rapidly evolving tourism sphere, neon signage is contributing to the identity of cities in significant ways and helping them transform into high-demand tourist attractions.
Whether you are a business owner or spearheading a large-scale renovation for your city, investing in neon is a surefire way to illuminate your brand and make a bold statement. Carve your distinct identity today with Custom Neon Signs from Lamomoneon and make your destination shine as a masterpiece!
