The Minster for Tourism, Scott Bacon, has welcomed the inclusion of the greater Hobart area as one of Lonely Planet's ten best cities in the world to visit in 2013.

Mr Bacon said the accolade, included in Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel in 2013', was great news for the state's Tourism and Hospitality sectors.

"To have Hobart rated as one of the ten best cities to visit anywhere in the world in 2013 by Lonely Planet is a huge boost for our global profile," he said.

"This is the sort of exposure that money can not buy. It's great publicity for our world-class tourism experiences and fine dining, as well as events like Ten Days on the Island and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

"It's also great to see the Taste of Tasmania included in Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel' Travel planner for next year, and the Walls of Jerusalem National Park listed as one of the world's 'Great Wall Walks'.

"Our tourism industry can only benefit by the additional exposure and visitors this sort of recognition will provide."

Mr Bacon said that this confirms that the experiences and services we are providing to our visitors are being rated as the best in the nation, and amongst the best in the world.

"The announcement adds to the growing collection of international and national accolades and awards for Tasmanian tourism and hospitality businesses this year, including a record five Australian Tourism Award winners in February." he said.

Lonely Planet's Asia Pacific Sales & Marketing Director Chris Zeiher said that Lonely Planet's Best in Travel is all about setting the global travel agenda for the year ahead.

"In making our selections, we focus on each destination's merits and the unique experiences they offer travellers."

"With Hobart, we believe 2013 will be the perfect year for travellers to experience how this historic city is reinventing itself through an amazing array of events, artistic attractions and foodie feasts." he said.

Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel' publication introduces its Hobart listing with the statement 'Now is the time to discover what's going on down there before the rest of the world catches on'.

Mr Bacon said this message could not be better timed.

"Tourism Tasmania's recent campaigns with a range of tourism and travel partners have been designed to encourage Australians to travel to Tasmania sooner rather than later," he said.

 "With the huge increase in flights and airline seats being scheduled into Tasmania this summer by Jetstar, Virgin, Qantas and Tiger Airways, it is more important than ever that we continue to stimulate immediate Tasmanian holiday and travel bookings. 

"Lonely Planet's message supports this aim by encouraging Australians and international visitors intending to visit our island state over the next twelve months."

CEO of Destination Southern Tasmania, Ben Targett said that Tasmania is already a very popular destination with Lonely Planet's audience, so Hobart's inclusion in their Best in Travel for 2013 will encourage a lot of people to travel here."

 "This recognition for Hobart, as one of the world's great small cities, represents an enormous opportunity for the tourism operators in southern Tasmania, and we look forward to finding ways in which we can capitalise on the attention of the Lonely Planet audience while we have it." he said.

Mr Bacon said the State Government continued to recognise the importance of the tourism industry to Tasmania's economy.

"That's why we're continuing to invest in marketing, to ensure we're working to promote our destination in the global marketplace and can help create jobs and opportunities within the tourism sector for many years to come," he said.

To help local operators, Lonely Planet has provided a special symbol that local businesses can use to promote the fact that they are associated with one of Lonely Planet's top ten cities to visit in 2013. This promotional toolkit will be available through Tourism Tasmania's corporate website - www.tourismtasmania.com.au