But Environment Minister Matthew Groom believes that a new draft management plan for Tasmania's World Heritage Areas that will allow for tourist development has achieved the right balance.

The plan reclassified wilderness areas as remote recreational zones to allow low-scale tourism ventures to be developed and greater access from the air and water.

Labor has backed the plan but warned the government should tread carefully.

Wilderness Society spokesperson Vica Bayley yesterday said the plan was a big step backwards for Tasmania's environment.

"It strikes at the heart of Tasmania's brand and identity to not manage this property, this place, as the wilderness that it is," Mr Bayley said.

"We support responsible tourism development and there's a lot of tourism in the [World Heritage Areas] already so what this does it threatens the values of the area.

He said if the plan goes ahead, Tasmania would end up being a state with a hollow brand.

Public consultation for the plan begins on Monday and will run until March 22.