AS the tourism season heats up across the outback, there’s one thing you can be sure of – that toilet roll holders in public conveniences will be raided daily.
It’s a phenomenon that continually puzzles locals, given the small price for a roll, but now one town has found a way to cash in on it and promote their region at the same time.
The Tambo Tourism and Business Association Inc has decided to give toilet paper away, handing out over 3000 rolls of soft tissue wrapped in a promotional sleeve to visitors.
TTBA secretary Mary Mangan said the group had decided to buck the trend and be the town that says “we love our visitors, here’s a little something to remember us by”.
Totally Tambo toilet rolls are being distributed by key businesses and tourist attractions in town and organisers feel that at a rate of one roll per business per day, or 84 rolls a week, it will encourage a lively conversation about Tambo in caravan parks across the west.
In return for the free gift, visitors are asked to complete a short survey to give the group an insight into what visitors enjoy about Tambo and hopefully provide some ideas on how the town can improve its tourism product.
Visitors to date have been delighted with their tongue-in-cheek gift and it seems unlikely that many of the rolls will make their way to the littlest room in the caravan, being kept instead as a souvenir.
Toilet paper “as necessary as water and a spare tyre”
The attraction that tourists have for council-issue toilet paper is a mystery to Outback Queensland Tourism Association general manager Peter Homan.
While jokes are made about the lack of loo paper at comfort stops, Peter urges tourists to think of the next person to use the facility when they’re unwinding that roll for their personal use.
“Imagine if it was you that had no paper,” he said. “It’s a strong message – we have lots of space in the outback to do your business but be prepared.
“Tourists should be adding toilet paper to their list of essential items to pack, along with water and a spare tyre.”