The state ranks fourth in the prestigious Best in Travel 2015 list, which ranks Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula as No. 1.

Northern Tasmanian icons named by Lonely Planet as must-sees include the Bay of Fires, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the listing was the most significant thing to happen in the state's recent tourism history.

"Look at the places we're up against," Mr Martin said.

"It's amazing after Hobart got named (Best in Travel 2013 Top 10 Cities) - this is better, this is the whole state."

Mr Martin said it was now up to tourism providers to seize the opportunities ahead and capitalise on the ranking.

"It's about looking at what's worked and what's got us here . . . and looking at the next way to compete," Mr Martin said

"We don't want to be looking back in two years and saying Lonely Planet acknowledged us, wasn't that great - we need to be taking this forward.

"What's driving us is not just MONA but our wilderness, culture and food."

Lonely Planet's Chris Zeiher wrote: "Modern Tasmania has adopted a fresh, hip and inclusive attitude sparked by the brilliant revival of its now super-cool waterfront capital, Hobart, and the development of an eclectic year-long events calendar."

The company reaches 2.4 million viewers online, boasts 1.74 million Twitter followers and is published in 12 countries.