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Public toilets are arguably the most important piece of infrastructure that communities can use to boost their visitor economy, and they're useful to local people too!, according to the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ).

TIANZ Chief Executive Tim Cossar explains "most travellers will need to use a public toilet at some point, and the quality and availability of facilities can really affect their perception of an area.

"Kawakawa's Hundertwasser toilets attract thousands of people to the town each year - people who spend their money at local businesses and support jobs in the area. Taupo's 'Super Loo' is another great example, as are Wellington's lobster loos. But more basic toilets also give visitors a reason to stop, as well as improving the quality of life for residents."

Infrastructure like high quality roads, good signage and recycling facilities also enhance both the visitor experience and New Zealanders' quality of life.

TIANZ is calling on the New Zealand Government to assist communities with low rating bases to fund local infrastructure development. It's one of the actions TIANZ, industry partners and operators are promoting to the incoming government in the Tourism Future Statement 2011-14:The Visitor Economy - Creating Wealth. 

Cossar adds "we recognise some communities which attract high visitor numbers need support to provide good quality infrastructure that enhances their experience. We would like to see the incoming government bring back the Tourism Demand Subsidy Scheme or a similar initiative to support them, not only with providing toilets but also other infrastructure like water supply, good signage and recycling facilities.

"Government investment in infrastructure will help boost the contribution tourism makes to New Zealand's economy."

Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks agrees good infrastructure is important for both visitors and communities, adding "the things that make New Zealand a good place to live are those good things tourists enjoy too. For instance, if you enjoy going skiing in Queenstown, there aren't enough of us to afford those facilities by ourselves. It's the visitors who help put that infrastructure into place."

For more information go to www.tianz.org.nz/nztourismfuture

Image: Wellington's lobster loos.

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