Tasmania ramping up preparations for Chinese president Xi Jinping visit
Tasmania's business and Chinese communities are gearing up for the Chinese president's visit to the state next week.
President Xi Jinping will spend a day in Tasmania after the G20 summit in Brisbane, and is expected to touch down in Hobart on November 18.
His itinerary is a closely guarded secret but it is expected to include a picture opportunity at a tourist spot, discussion about China's Antarctic program in Hobart and a formal lunch.
Rebecca Cong from Tasmania's Chinese Art Society said the group is preparing cultural events to coincide with the visit.
"All the Chinese groups and the leaders, we are working closely with (the Department of) State Growth and the Hobart City Council... just to make sure everything happens smoothly and successfully," Ms Cong said.
Tasmanian businesses are expecting an influx of Chinese tourists following Mr Xi's visit, which will generate substantial media coverage in China.
Bob Priestley has been running workshops for retailers, tourism operators and hospitality operators who want to to provide better service for Chinese visitors.
Mr Priestley said the president's impending visit had prompted business operators to look at practical ways of making Chinese tourists more comfortable.
"This workshop was titled 'Take Advantage of this Opportunity'," he said.
"The people seem very interested and they're talking about where they can get signs translated and things like that."
Tasmania's 30 year history with China
More than 30 years ago, Doug Lowe was the first Tasmanian Premier to visit China, creating an important sister-state relationship with the Fujian Province.
"If you can understand the Chinese culture and the Chinese way of doing business - and we picked that up through the special relationship with the Fujian Province - it opens up other areas of interest far beyond the Fujian Province itself," he said.
Years later, premier Jim Bacon visited China, meeting the then governor of Fujian province, Mr Xi.
Mr Lowe says the connection the now-president has with Tasmania is important.
"To have a former governor of Fujian who is now the head of their country is just a great honour for Tasmania," he said.
"I hope that everyone sees its significance and welcomes him in the greatest way possible."
