China-Australia Relations: Importance and Impact of 'Bobby Bear' Character on Tasmania's Tourism Industry

China-Australia relationship, commonly identified as Sino-Australian relations has been of importance to these two countries. Tasmania has played a huge role in the Chinese outbound tourism market. Introduction of the ‘Bobbie Bear’ character was the beginning of overflow of tourists to Tasmania. ‘Bobbie bear’ was produced by the Bridestowe Estate company located in Nabowla-Tasmania. The bear created from the natural lavender gives a sense of belonging to nature, thereby, encouraging more visitors. The bear has also been described to have a medical function as it acts as a heating pad hence relieving pain.

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China-Australia relations
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The relationship between China and Australia
China and Australia relationship, commonly identified as Sino-Australian relations has been of
importance to these two countries. The relationship has had some challenges especially
politically, and that’s why it has been referred to as a mixed bag by some people. However, over
the years the partnership has grown, and it’s quite stronger now. They engage in various aspects
such as cultural, political, and economic divides. China remains to be the largest trading partner
for Australia, especially in the mining and tourism industry while Australia provides several
resources to China (Pham, Nghiem, and Dwyer, p. 271). Therefore, this bilateral relationship can
be characterized as of absolute importance between the two nations. It is based on mutual
understanding, respect, and shared interests.
The ‘Bobby Bear’ character
Tasmania has played a huge role in the Chinese outbound tourism market. Since the time that
Tasmania was put on the Chinese tourist map, travelers visiting Tasmania are increasing over
time (Fallon and Kriwoken, p. 295). Introduction of the ‘Bobbie Bear’ character was the
beginning of overflow of tourists to Tasmania. After presentation and endorsement of ‘Bobbie

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Bear’ by Chinese president Xi, which was locally produced and also filled with lavender, the
island found its way to the Chinese travelers mental map. The bear became a must-have item in
China mainly to the urban young ladies after Zhang Xinyu- the Chinese model posted on social
media the image of the stuffed toy in the year 2013. The Chinese tourists are also drawn to
Tasmania by the beautiful environment which has been described as idyllic as well as an
untouched paradise with air that is not polluted.
The significance of the ‘Bobby Bear’ character
‘Bobbie bear’ was produced by the Bridestowe Estate company located in Nabowla-Tasmania.
It’s Tasmanian lavender hand-stuffed and also can be converted to a virtually hot-water bottle
when placed in a microwave. After ‘Bobbie bear’ character became a hit in Tasmanian, the
economy of Australia changed significantly. For instance, spending by the international tourists
increased by 6% where it reached the $41.3 million mark in 2013. In 2017, the expenditure from
foreign visitors was $497 million in the Apple Isle. Most of the tourists were from China which
improved even higher the economy of Tasmania by 31% in 2013 and achieved an incredible
90% in the subsequent three years. The visit by President Xi in 2014, exposed the sleepy tourism
sector in Tasmania. Following his visit, therefore, there was a 40% upsurge of tourist from
China. Consequently, those from Hong Kong swelled to 33%. As such, China registered the
highest international tourist arrivals overtaking the United States (Dobson and Hooper, p. 25).
Also, the Hobart Airport underwent upgrading which allowed direct access from larger aircraft to
Tasmania even those originating from Asia.
The ‘Bobbie Bear’ character, therefore, opened doors to the tourism activities in Tasmania. The
bear created from the natural lavender gives a sense of belonging to nature, thereby, encouraging

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more visitors. The bear has also been described to have a medical function as it acts as a heating
pad hence relieving pain.
References
Dobson, C. and Hooper, K., 2015. Insights from the Australian Tourism Industry. RBA Bulletin,
March, pp.21-31.
Fallon, L.D. and Kriwoken, L.K., 2003. Community involvement in tourism infrastructure—the
case of the Strahan Visitor Centre, Tasmania. Tourism Management, 24(3), pp.289-308.
Pham, T.D., Nghiem, S. and Dwyer, L., 2017. The determinants of Chinese visitors to Australia:
A dynamic demand analysis. Tourism Management, 63, pp.268-276.