Australian state to become eco-tourism capital of world after new plans approved

Australia's island state of Tasmania has set itself the ambitious plan to become the " environmental tourism capital of the world".

A further three eco-tourist projects have been given the green light by state Planning Minister Matthew Groom, a move, he said, would bring further "economic, cultural and tourism benefits" to Tasmania.

International tourists are already flocking to the island state in record numbers. There was an 8 percent jump in visitors in 2014 compared to 2013, while the amount of money spent while in Tasmania rose by 13 percent.

Groom said the state is keen to capitalize on the economic benefits that international visitor bring to the state, while also continuing to entice the strong domestic market.

The news follows the announcement of a 20 million U.S dollar upgrade to the state capital Hobart's airport, a push to lure international flights from Asia and make Tasmania come across as more welcoming to those arriving at the airport.

Groom detailed the plans on Thursday, telling the committee that "eco-tourists" would bring great economic benefit to the state.

"Tasmanian Boat Charters will offer guided boat charter experiences for small groups in the waterways of Tasmania's south west," he said at the state's budget estimates committee on Thursday.

"Freycinet Eco Retreat will offer walking tours from their Eco Retreat location.

"(While) Trees Adventures aims to establish an eco-tourism trees adventure park."

Groom said the investment into keeping Tasmania attractive to visitors, while maintaining the state's pristine landscapes was important in deciding which projects would be approved.

He sifted through more than 20 proposals, with a possibility that more could be approved in the future.

"If all 25 projects are fully realized, this will represent investment in the state of more than 73 million (Australian dollars) and the creation of over 300 jobs," he said. Endi