Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said the strategy aims to educate tourist road safety information through its Bobbie the Lavender Bear mascot, which will feature information in hire cars, including stickers informing motorists to drive to the left side of the road.

Mr Hidding said all major rent a car companies were participating in the initiative, with some companies using their own material. 

He said other initiatives included a new look safe riding in Tasmania brochure and a new short film about safe riding targeted at visiting motorcyclists.  

“Bobby the Bear, a key part of marketing to Asian tourists, who are very aware of just who Bobby the Bear is,” Mr Hidding said.

Mr Hidding said the materials were available in multiple languages, with electronic Bobbie the Lavender Bear billboards also featured at airport terminals. 

Road Safety Advisory Council chairman Jim Cox said information in hire cars will be attached to the steering wheel.