Data from the Regional Tourism Satellite Account released on Friday showed spending in the North dropped slightly by 0.3 per cent compared to the previous year to $467 million but rose in the North-West by 22.4 per cent to $378 million.

Spending went up on the West Coast by 12 per cent to $52 million.

Visitors spent $72 million on food services in the North, $51 million on retail, and $47.5 million on accommodation.

Visitors to the North-West spent $76.4 million on transport, $50.3 million on food services, and $39 million on accommodation.

The data showed the tourism industry on the North-West and West coasts employed more than 6600 people and 7500 people in Launceston.

The East Coast had 2500 workers in the tourism industry which had increased by 17 per cent on the previous year.

Spending in the region went up 19.2 per cent to $132 million.

Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Jonathon Duniam said the data confirmed more Tasmanians were working in tourism and the state's regions were benefiting from an increased visitor spend.

"Tourism improves the lives of Tasmanians," he said.

"A strong tourism industry means more jobs, greater investment and better infrastructure."