Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said Northern Tasmania needed to get better at developing and supporting projects, or risk falling behind the rest of the state.

‘‘Hobart is obviously booming, with an unprecedented investment pipeline of hotels and major attractions set to come on line over the next few years,’’ Mr Martin said.

‘‘The East Coast has just launched the Great Eastern Drive, and the North-West is getting its mojo back with strong visitor growth and an exciting vision for Cradle Mountain and its strengths in food tourism.

‘‘The North have the investors and the opportunities, we just need to get behind them and ensure we have a wave of exciting major projects on track and opening over the next few years to draw visitors to the region.’’

Mr Martin said while the Penny Royal rejuvenation and the North-Bank development were promising, he was surprised that James Boag’s decision to put on hold plans for a new visitor centre did not draw a bigger reaction.

‘‘Boag’s was a blow as it promised to establish a celebrated visitor experience in the city, and we see the amazing impact similar-scale brewery experiences have had in places like Fremantle and Geelong,’’ he said.

‘‘We need to be bullish about opportunities for private investment present and work with investors with vision to establish iconic demand-generating tourism product for the North.’’

Acting Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the North had recorded 7 per cent growth in the tourism sector in the past year, but there was more work to do.

‘‘That’s why we have provided another $3 million for tourism marketing, established the Regional Events Start-up Program and committed an additional $3million to support the development of our tourism industry right around the state, ’’ he said.