The Liberal Government will next month take a significant step towards transforming Tasmania into the environmental tourism capital of the world.

Expressions of Interest will be invited from investors with ideas for sensible and appropriate tourism developments in our National Parks and World Heritage Area. Advertisements will appear in local and national newspapers in the second week of June.

We are looking for developments which broaden the range of exciting and unique experiences on offer in our state by improving access for tourists while maintaining the integrity of our wilderness areas.

This is a key part of our plan for the long-term future of Tasmania. The Liberal Government has set a target of growing our tourism industry to 1.5 million visitors per year, creating 8,000 new jobs.

Actively seeking sensible and appropriate developments in National Parks and the World Heritage Area builds on our competitive strengths. Our natural environment is one of our greatest assets, and the Liberal Government wants as many people as possible from interstate and overseas to come here and enjoy a unique, word-class tourism experience.

This is an important mindset shift. This initiative is about reducing barriers to appropriate tourism developments and showing the world that Tasmania is open for business.

Proposals received in the EOI process will be assessed on a number of criteria, including:

• The appropriateness of the particular development to a particular site;

• The qualifications of the proponent to establish and operate the development; and

• The ability of the proponent to finance the development.

The Office of the Coordinator General, another key Liberal Government initiative to help business grow and employ Tasmanians, will assist successful proponents through the planning and approval process.

Successful proponents will be granted exclusive licence arrangements while they are establishing their proposal.

We are working hard to tackle the jobs crisis, build on our competitive strengths and make the changes people voted for and that Tasmania needs.
Matthew Groom, Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage