Almost two years after the idea of train connection between Tullamarine and the CBD was shelved when Labor came to office, a cabinet-in-confidence document reveals it was briefly put back on the table as part of deliberations by a reference group chaired by infrastructure tsar Sir Rod Eddington.

The group – appointed by the government to work on a new tourism strategy – also warned that tourism infrastructure investment across the state lacked vision, resulting in "below par" facilities or investors being thwarted from entering or staying in the market.

"Melbourne has adequate capacity to service current levels of visitors to the city. However, if it is to maintain its position as a desirable destination for tourists and international students, and an attractive host city for major events, strategic investments must be made," says the document, obtained by The Sunday Age.

"For example, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre currently turns away approximately 30 per cent of new business opportunities due to facility constraints. Melbourne Airport is forecast to process 38 million passengers a year by 2033 and could better facilitate passengers through a direct rail link to the CBD."

The document's findings are among many discussed by the 12-member reference group, which also included Geelong Football chief executive Brian Cook, Melbourne Fashion Festival chair Laura Anderson, Asia Cup boss Michael Brown and TV presenter Catriona Rowntree​.

The group was set up to work on a new Victorian Visitor Economy Strategy, which was released in July. However, the leak is significant because it gives a glimpse of the kind of concerns raised behind closed doors, some of which have since been better addressed in the strategy than others.

For instance, the document also points to:

• A "lack of direction" when it comes to tourism infrastructure investment, which has resulted in "below par" accommodation for people who visit attractions such as the Great Ocean Road and Wilsons Promontory.
• The need for state investment to prioritise visitor experience attractions in areas such as the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island or the Twelve Apostles National Park near Port Campbell.
• Concerns that "current processes do not facilitate or expedite the progress of Public Private Partnership projects".
• Too many barriers for people who wish to invest, particularly in regional areas where opinion is divided when it comes to development in national parks.

"There appears to be at least two issues relating to public land that may need to be addressed," the document says. "Investment in regional areas is being impeded by limited access to public land for both development and delivery of nature based experiences. (Secondly), issuing of tour operator licences for public land is done on a competitive allocation basis, making it difficult for new operators to enter the market."

The details come as the latest tourism figures show a 1.2 per cent decline in the number of visitors from interstate. Figures also reveal most of Victoria's visitors are flocking to Melbourne, but very few stay in regional areas where international guests represent just 3 per cent of overnighters.

However, the government has defended its tourism record, pointing to initiatives such as the $200 million upgrade of the Convention Centre; the Wander Victoria marketing campaign, and a new regional tourism infrastructure fund.

"Victoria was asleep at the wheel under the Liberals," said acting Tourism Minister Philip Dalidakis​. "We've listened to the industry experts with a stake in the game. Now we're turning thoughts into actions and investing all over Victoria to ensure we remain one of the world's great destinations."

The government also defended its decision to shelve plans for a Melbourne Airport Rail Link (which the former Napthine government had promised to build by 2026) in favour of the Metro Rail Tunnel. "Future projects will be guided by Infrastructure Victoria's 30-year plan, which will be delivered before the end of the year," Mr Dalidakis said.