TASMANIA’S national parks continue to be a major drawcard with a 12 per cent increase in visitor numbers during 2013-14.

The Freycinet National Park remains Tasmania’s most visited park welcoming 217,000 visitors, an increase of 14 per cent on the previous year.

Mt Field had the strongest growth with a 39 per cent increase in the 2013-14 financial year, bringing visitor numbers to a record 141,000.

Maria Island had an increase in visitation of 21 per cent.

State Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Matthew Groom said yesterday during Budget Estimates that 87 inquiries and requests for additional information had been received so far regarding Expressions of Interest for developments in National Parks.

“The Liberal Government has opened an Expressions of Interest process for developments and tourism proposals in National Parks and the World Heritage Area, with the aim of making Tasmania the environmental tourism capital of the world,” he said.

Mr Groom said the process would bring about new, unique tourist offerings to the state.

“These visitation figures indicate the possibilities for the state’s tourism sector and the economy if we can continue to bring more people to our Parks and offer them reasons to stay longer and spend more.”

The Expressions of Interest period opened in June and closes on November 21.