The Minister for Hospitality, Scott Bacon, today paid tribute to the owners and staff of the restaurant recently recognised as Australia's best, Ethos in Hobart.

Mr Bacon said Ethos' success at the recent Australian Hospitality Awards was further proof of the high quality of Tasmania's world-class dining experiences.

"Ethos is a fantastic example of what's great about our hospitality sector, and how our key drawcards can be incorporated into a great dining experience," he said.

"Based in a restored heritage-listed building, using environmentally-friendly equipment - including solar hot water and low-emission equipment, and sourcing - and in some cases growing its own - local produce where possible, Ethos offers a great experience for locals and visitors alike.

"The passion owners Iain Todd and Chloe Proud feel for Tasmania is evident throughout Ethos and in their partnership with many local food and wine producers.

"They can be rightly proud of their Award for Best Stand-Alone Restaurant at the Australian Hospitality Awards."

Mr Bacon said Ethos was one of four winners at the recent Australian Hospitality Awards - with other awards going to the Museum of Old and New Art (Best Tourism Initiative), Saffire (Best Resort-Style Accommodation) and Glen Astell of the Cradle Mountain Chateau (Employee Excellence in Service).

"As we've seen through the recent inaugural Australian Hospitality Conference held in Hobart, our success at the Australian Hospitality Awards and the record haul earlier this year at the Australian Tourism Awards, we know there's plenty to celebrate in our hospitality sector," he said.

"The hospitality industry is a significant part of our economy - employing around 20,000 people and contributing more than half a billion dollars to our Gross State Product.

"We recognise the importance of the sector to both our economy and our lifestyle, and through the Hospitality Industry Strategic Plan, we will continue to work with the sector to ensure we have a vibrant, sustainable industry into the future."