The cheerful invitation “Come and say G’day!” echoed across downtown Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, on November 1. The voice originated from an unexpected source, a giant computer-generated kangaroo named Ruby, Tourism Australia’s new mascot. Gazing out from a 3D billboard, Ruby made her debut in China as part of a new promotional campaign launched by the Australian government agency.
Ruby’s arrival coincided with a visit to China by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. While addressing a Tourism Australia luncheon in Shanghai on November 5, Albanese welcomed the expected return of Chinese travelers. “You have been greatly missed,” he remarked, evoking the spirit of Ruby’s warm greeting.
A visit of great significance
Shanghai was the first stop on
