Tourism Minister Will Hodgman said the government’s strategic plan, T21, highlights the importance of investing in tourism infrastructure as a key priority. 

“We are investing more in important infrastructure projects, like the new visitor centre at Cradle Mountain, as we recognise it is critical to have world-class infrastructure for our visitors to enjoy this remarkable destination,” he said. 

He also cites government investment into the Three Capes Track and the development of mountain bike tracks in the North East as examples of the government's work to improve visitor infrastructure. 

The opposition, however, is critical of the government’s plans for the industry’s future. Opposition tourism spokesman Scott Bacon said despite planning to grow the state’s visitors to 1.5 million by 2020, the government hadn’t planned to improve infrastructure. 

“Our regions are under ongoing pressure not only to sustain quality visitor experiences but build the facilities tourists demand,” he said. 

“A re-elected majority Labor government would go ahead with a 10 year Regional Tourism Strategy to enhance the industry and develop new business.”

Mr Bacon stressed the need for all levels of government to cooperate to ensure the continued growth of tourism. 

He also committed to include projects from the Tourism Industry Council’s Future Proofing Our Icons report in Labor’s plans. 

“The program includes linking St Helens to the Blue Derby mountain bike trails, Richmond Village Streetscape, Tarkine Drive, Three Capes, Freycinet National Park Visitor Hub, Stanley Visitor Centre, Strahan Wharf Tourism Zone and visitor infrastructure on Sarah and Maria Islands,” he said. 

Mr Hodgman said the government has given an unprecedented investment into tourism in this year’s budget, including money to improve Parks and ICT infrastructure.

The government has also created a Tourist Road Safety Strategy to help keep visitors safe on the roads.