Extra Tasmanian flights credited for filling more Hobart hotel beds

The Tourism Industry Council believes extra passenger flights to the state pushed up summer hotel occupancy rates in Hobart.

A national report for the March quarter has revealed Hobart had the highest average occupancy rates of all capital cities and major visitor destinations.

The Tourism Industry Council's Luke Martin says the recovery in the tourism sector is well underway.

"This year with a 20 per cent increase in air flights to the state it clearly shows that when the air capacity's there that people will come and obviously it generates visitation right through the summer months," he said.

Mr Martin says figures are welcome in light of tomorrow's jobs forum in Launceston.

Friendly Hobart

Subscribers to an international travel magazine have voted Hobart the world's second most friendly city.

The survey of readers to the magazine Conde Nast Traveller voted Hobart one of two Australian destinations to make the top 10.

The Tourism Minister, Scott Bacon, says it is a huge boost to the state's profile nationally and internationally.

The latest accolade comes off the back of the guidebook, Best in Travel 2013 edition, which described Hobart as the hottest Australian destination to visit.

Source: ABC News, 6 August 2013