Today the Liberal Government has taken the first step towards transforming Tasmania into the environment tourism capital of the world.
Expressions of Interest are now open for investors and tourism operators with ideas for sensible and appropriate tourism developments in our National Parks and World Heritage Area.
This process is about venturing off the beaten track to take visitors on a Tasmanian wilderness experience that is genuinely unique and world class.
The Liberal Government wants to unlock the full potential in these areas while contributing to the conservation of Tasmania's natural environment.
Some of Tasmania's most iconic, attractive and visited places are those where outstanding natural and cultural values are complemented by high-quality tourism infrastructure and operations.
However, we believe there is potential for further investment in our natural areas to ensure that the capacity for public enjoyment; the conservation of environmental and cultural values and the economic benefit to the broader community is fully realised.
The Government is reaching out to private investors and tourism operators to support sensible and appropriate tourism experiences and complementary infrastructure in the Tasmanian Wilderness and World Heritage Area, National Parks and Reserves.
Through the EOI process we want to tap into the creativity and capital of the private sector to encourage new ideas and facilitate outcomes that were previously considered not possible in Tasmania.
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 project will take place in two stages. Stage 1, launched today, will run for five months and calls for EOI Submissions that outline Proposed Developments, to be submitted for an initial assessment.
An assessment panel will then provide a recommendation to the Government on whether the Proposed Development should be considered. The Government will then invite selected participants to provide a detailed proposal in Stage 2.
A decision on potential developments will be made on completion of Stage 2 in early 2015.
This EOI process will play a key role in delivering the Liberal Government's vision is to grow the tourism industry to 1.5 million visitors per year by 2020, which the industry says will create up to 8,000 new jobs and ensure as many people as possible enjoy the best experiences our state has to offer.