Research released by the state government recently shows 1,068,100 visitors flocked to the state last year, up 3 per cent from 1,033,600 for the previous year.

Premier Will Hodgman said 2014 was a historic year for Tasmanian tourism.

"For the first time tourists holidaying in Tasmania spent $1 billion in our state in the 12 months to December, a massive 19 per cent increase on 2013," he said.

East Coast Regional Tourism Organisation chief executive Ruth Dowty said she was "stoked" by the news.

She said the figures did not account for most of the coast's tourism season and she was expecting an even greater result again next year.

"The East Coast is so beautiful. It's a very, very special part of the world," she said.

"We're really excited because tourism has kept growing quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year for the last few years."

Mrs Dowty said word of mouth about the East Coast's beauty has prompted more visitors to explore the region.

"Tourism Tasmania has done a great job promoting the state on the mainland. And I think a strong level of word of mouth has made people take notice," she said

"People are becoming more and more aware of it. It's a magical place and we hope it will continue."

Following the news, the state government has also pledged more support for Maria Island tourism.

State Growth Minister Matthew Groom last week said a winter subsidy would again be provided for the Maria Island ferry service.

"The provision of a winter subsidy last year has contributed to a significant increase in the number of visitors to the island, with 19,000 people making the trip in 2014," he said.

"For this reason the decision has been taken to continue the existing winter ferry subsidy and to continue to explore other longer term options with the local community, tourism industry and the current service providers."