Da Nang people invite tourists to use the toilet for free

While many provinces and cities are still struggling with the problem of public sanitation, in Da Nang, residents and tourists are "invited" to use the restroom for free by cafes, restaurants, and luxury hotels.

In April 2015, Hai Chau District Business Association coordinated with Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center to deploy a public toilet model to serve residents and tourists, calling for the participation of restaurants and hotels in the area.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Son, Vice Chairman of the Hai Chau District Business Association, said: “Key tourist streets such as Bach Dang and Tran Duan have too few toilets, so tourists are often forced to relieve themselves. Meanwhile, restaurants and hotels on these streets are extremely crowded. Encouraging them to socialize toilets and make use of available toilets not only saves on investment costs for facilities, but also creates a characteristic of “resolving difficult problems” very much like Da Nang”. Although free, the toilets put into use also need to ensure criteria such as being spacious, clean, having separate rooms for men and women, and having regular cleaners…

Free toilet invitation logos are found in many cafes and hotels. Photo: Thanh Tran.

Initially, the number of establishments registering to participate was very large, however, after the survey, only 40 locations were selected. After a year of implementation, there are now nearly 300 restaurants, shops, and hotels providing free sanitation services. In front of these establishments, there are "invitations" to use the restroom with a friendly smiley face and the words "Comfort as home", especially there are 3-4 star hotels participating.

Ms. Nguyen Thi My Phuong (manager of Highland Coffee Shop, 186 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District), said: “Since this model was introduced, there have been dozens of tourists coming here to use the restroom almost every day. The shop does not feel uncomfortable when customers go “fast” like that, but also encourages the staff to always be comfortable and welcoming, because it is not only a solution for “diabetes” but also shows the civilization of Da Nang.”

This model is also applied at public places such as bus stations and train stations. Mr. Nguyen Hoang Duong (34 years old, a tourist from Hanoi) said: “The free toilet model shows that Da Nang is very thoughtful because it has paid attention to the delicate needs of tourists in a very skillful and delicate way, and anyone who uses it feels comfortable. I noticed that on Tran Phu Street, after only a short walk, there were 3-4 free toilets. Da Nang should replicate this model, not only on tourist routes but also anywhere restaurants and hotels agree to participate.”

According to Tien Phong Online