Tasmania's tourism industry is the latest to benefit from State Government investment to help businesses make the most of the National Broadband Network.

The Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania was one of four industry groups to receive $250,000 each to run programs under the NBN Industry Assistance Package.

It's investing the funds to develop eight tourism businesses or groups as "digital pioneers", who will mentor tourism operators to develop and trial innovative new digital marketing and business solutions.

The Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, David O'Byrne, said the NBN Industry Assistance Package was set-up to help Tasmanian businesses learn about and take full advantage of the NBN.

"The State Government fundamentally understands the economic benefits of high speed broadband, and the market advantages our businesses can gain from it," Mr O'Byrne said.

"But we know it's not enough to have the poles and wires in place. Business needs support and coaching to help understand the NBN, and grasp its full benefits.

"That's what the NBN Industry Assistance Package is all about.

"I congratulate the TICT for selecting a range of projects that will provide NBN leaders and teachers for other businesses right around Tasmania.

"Initiatives like high-speed video conferencing from remote locations, social media marketing, and innovative smart phone applications will show Tasmanian small businesses just how valuable high-speed broadband can be for promoting and marketing their business.

"Tasmania will be the first state in Australia to have ubiquitous NBN connections and be fully connected. These tourism businesses and groups will be able to derive the greatest benefits," he said.

The government has allocated $1 million between the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA), the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania (TICT), the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) and the Small Business Council of Tasmania (SBCT), to determine where the best digital solutions lie for their sectors.

The businesses and groups are, along with their areas of specialty are:

• Tall Timbers, Smithton - high speed video conferencing.
• Jump Tours - smart phone visitor guide application.
• Freycinet and Coles Bay Tourism Operators - social media marketing campaign.
• Freycinet Adventures and Hobart Paddle - development of a new social media marketing strategy.
• West Coast Tourism Operators - smartphone touring guide application.
• Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail - online marketing campaign including a website, smartphone application and social media presence.
• Latrobe Port Sorell Tourism Association - members-only networking and resource sharing online portal.
• Brickendon Lavender Farm - 'web in the box' website trial (low-cost, high-utility web design solution for small operators).

The Chief Executive of the Tasmanian Tourism Industry Council, Luke Martin, said as a regional tourism destination, it's extremely important for the Tasmanian industry to be at the fore of the digital economy, and emerging trends in on-line marketing and destination management.

"The State Government's initial funding of the grants is actually leveraging investment from the operators to improve their own online presence," Mr Martin said.

"The grant contributions for these projects will total around $100,000, but the total value of the projects will be around $200,000," he said