COUNCILLOR Jess Jennnings wants to start using public toilets to attract tourists to Bathurst.
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It seems like an odd suggestion, but there has been research done that has found tourists feel favourably towards a location if they have a good toilet experience.
On top of that, there are actually international awards for the best and most unique public toilets, called the International Toilet Tourism Awards.
“Apparently it is a pretty big thing,” Cr Jennings said.
“If you have toilets that are a bit jazzy and a little bit interesting and colourful, and of course neat and clean, apparently they make a big difference to your tourism dollar.”
He would like to see Bathurst Regional Council not only maintain its suite of public toilets, but to also carry out improvements that could make some them eligible for the awards.
“Whether or not we look at them being part of the public art policy, or whether it’s built into budgets relating to the maintenance of ongoing care of them,” he said.
The awards Cr Jennnings has focused offer a broad range of categories.
Some of the ones he has highlighted are:
- Best Economic Contributor, for when people stop at a toilet in a destination and stay on to spend more money.
- Best Location, where the toilets have views that could be considered an attraction.
- Best Design, for toilets that demonstrate architectural brilliance, visual design and creativity.
Cr Jennings also likes the idea of Quirkiest Toilet Experience, for toilets that relate to local heritage, are fun or otherwise noteworthy.
The other three categories are Best Accessible Toilet, Sanitation Progress and Overall Commitment to Toilet Tourism.
The overall winner will receive a $2000 donation in their name contributed to the World Toilet Organization for allocation to a sanitation project in a developing economy.
There is no cost involved to enter the awards.