Raft of ideas to spur nature tourism experience in state's World Heritage wilderness areas

ADRENALIN-pumping tourism ventures could be key to luring visitors to Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness areas.

ADRENALIN-pumping tourism ventures could be key to luring visitors to Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness areas.

Entrepreneurs behind some of Australia and New Zealand's most successful tourism businesses were part of a recent think-tank in Tasmania to generate new ideas for the tourism industry.

Bungee jumping, speed boating and sky diving were among the ideas raised.

The pioneer of commercial tourism in the Himalayas, Lisa Choegyal, and Rob Sharard, the man responsible for introducing low-cost air travel to Australia, were among the group.

The founder of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Paul Caves, and New Zealand nature tourism expert Dave Bamford also took part.

Mr Bamford said Tasmania should develop more adventure tourism activities like the Cradle Mountain canyoning experience, which runs tours involving jumps, slides and abseiling in a 50m-deep quartzite canyon.

Mr Bamford said many of the experiences offered in Tasmania were "tired" and tourists craved new activities.

Tasmania faced competition from nature tourism leaders like New Zealand and South America.

"There's no such thing as a new idea, so many of New Zealand's ideas, whether they be bungee jumping and adrenaline things, like parachuting and sky diving, are worth considering," he said.

"What people are looking for is quality, memorable experiences.

"We have seen elsewhere in the world, whether it be Mount Everest [or] the New Zealand world heritage area, that with careful support from parks management and clear guidelines, you can have significant successful niche tourism operators in world heritage areas."

Darryl Wilson, whose business Wilson's Abel Tasman operates in a New Zealand national park, said tourism businesses could be used to assist wilderness conservation efforts.

The Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania, Tourism Tasmania, Parks and Wildlife, Cradle Coast Authority and award-wining eco-tourism operator Rob Pennicott were also involved in last week's project, headed up by MONA business manager Mark Wilsdon.

Participants visited Strahan, Lake St Claire, the Tarkine, Cradle Mountain and Melaleuca.

Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Brian Wightman said new tourism experiences could be developed in wilderness areas, without compromising their natural and cultural values.

Tourism Minister Scott Bacon said people wanted "up-close, authentic experiences in a pristine environment".

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