Media release - 3 October
2012 - The wild natural beauty of Tasmania's
coastline, forests and mighty rivers will
be promoted to the world as Australia's
fifteenth National Landscape, underpinned
by the stories of its people, places and
heritage.
Tourism Minister, Martin
Ferguson AM MP, and Environment Minister,
Tony Burke MP, joined tour operators today
to launch Tasmania's national landscape
- 'Tasmania's Island Heritage'.
Minister Ferguson said
it was fitting Tasmania should join such
iconic landscapes as the Great Barrier Reef,
the Australian Alps and Kangaroo Island
in the National Landscapes Program.
"Tasmania is renowned
around the world for its natural beauty,
unique wildlife and world class tourist
experiences," said Minister Ferguson.
"Increased exposure
as a National Landscape will assist the
island in continuing to attract domestic
and international visitors who seek increasingly
sophisticated connections with history,
nature and culture.
"Offering white
secluded beaches, dense rainforest, cavernous
gorges, mighty rivers and a thriving boutique
food and wine industry, Tasmania has a far-reaching
visitor presence."
Environment Minister,
Tony Burke, said over 40 per cent of Tasmania's
habitat is protected, providing world-class
opportunities for visitors to engage with
nature.
"Few places are
as beautiful, wild and awe-inspiring as
those we find in Tasmania, including the
Franklin River, which is part of the majestic
Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area,
protected for all people to experience,"
Mr Burke said.
"The diversity
of Tasmania's landscapes has created a treasure-trove
of species including the mountain ash –
the world's tallest flowering tree – to
the iconic Tasmanian devil.
"No matter how
much money any country invests in built
attractions, nothing can compare with our
natural assets which are some of most spectacular
on earth.
"Eco-tourism is
a wonderful way to preserve these environments,
instilling in visitors an emotional connection
with the landscape and a passion for its
preservation. These visitors go home with
a renewed sense of what Australia has to
offer, and pass this message on to their
friends and social networks.
"Nature is the
primary driver attracting overseas visitors
to Australia. The creation of these fifteen
iconic National Landscapes is central in
assisting international travellers to explore
our vast and fascinating country and support
a strong tourism sector."
The National Landscapes
program is a partnership between Tourism
Australia and Parks Australia showcasing
Australia's most iconic landscapes.
Tasmania joins 14 other
regions as National Landscapes, including
Australia's Red Centre, the Kimberley and
the Wet Tropics.
