Tasmanian tourism attractions should charge more, says entrepreneur Dick Smith

UPDATED: DICK Smith has a simple solution for managing Tasmanian tourism numbers. SEE THE GALLERY, WATCH THE VIDEO

ENTREPRENEUR Dick Smith has told Tasmanian tourism operators to charge more to attract wealthy visitors to the state.

Mr Smith says Tasmania can hang on to its lifestyle amid the tourism boom, and sell it to visitors who value the premium experiences on offer.

“Keep the tourism up because they go home, but keep your quality of life,” Mr Smith said.

“Rather than just have huge numbers of people, take more money from them.”

The comments came as Mr Smith and wife Pip joined Premier Will Hodgman to announce the 24-bed Tahune Hut had opened for walkers on the West Coast track.

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The Smiths’ Wildcare Gift Fund contributed $1 million to the area’s rejuvenation over a decade, with the State Government kicking in $355,000.

“What I love about Tasmania is it hasn’t changed in 50 years,” he said. “And honestly, that’s a compliment.”

The Tahune Hut redevelopment between Dick Smith and State Government. Picture: CHRIS CRERAR

The Smiths first walked to Frenchmans Cap 50 years ago, soon after they became engaged.

He said they’d noticed damage to it caused by bushwalkers on a return visit for the couple’s 40th anniversary.

The State Government has released a draft Frenchmans Cap Recreation Zone Plan for public comment.

The announcement came as The Wilderness Society expressed concerns about a helicopter fly-fishing experience proposed for the Walls of Jerusalem National Park as part of the State Government’s tourism expression of interest process.

Operator RiverFly 1864 has proposed a luxury standing camp to be accessed by helicopter to accommodate a maximum of 30 bookings a year.

Entrepreneur Dick Smith, left, with Premier and Tourism Minister Will Hodgman announcing the opening of the 24-bed Tahune Hut. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The operation would involve the construction of a helicopter landing pad and TWS spokesman Vica Bayley said the proposal had gone beyond its original description.

“You can’t maintain wilderness quality and build huts and helipads — they are mutually exclusive,” he said.

Mr Hodgman said the proposal would go through the appropriate approval process.

“It has passed through our process and that is a process that is all about ensuring that Tasmania’s wilderness areas can be available for sensible and sustainable development,” he said.