Americans get budgie smuggled

Americans get budgie smuggled

It was Sydney’s time to shine last night after being broadcast live to 5.6 million viewers in the United States as part of a special on NBC’s Today show.

Set against the backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the live broadcast was hosted by Australian-born TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

“Last night we saw Sydney’s name up in lights across the USA, with millions of potential visitors to the city taking in the sights, sounds and experiences that make Sydney Australia’s number one visitor destination,” Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said.

“Securing this broadcast is a huge coup for Sydney, and a chance to showcase our city to the third-largest source market of visitors to NSW, helping us drive further visitation to the State.”

As part of the broadcast, Guthrie visited iconic sights of Bondi Beach, enjoyed a sail on Sydney Harbour with Sydney-based singer Jessica Mauboy, took in a BridgeClimb, and a visit to Paddington and Surry Hills for some shopping.

Audiences who braved the cold last night were also treated to a special preview of the upcoming Vivid Sydney, which included Arclight – an installation co-created by Australian/US artist Chris Knapp.

“TODAY boasts more than 10.5 million visitors to its website each month, more than 4 million Facebook fans and about 2.5 million Twitter followers, so tapping into this market is a huge opportunity,” Destination NSW chief executive officer Sandra Chipchase said.

Fireworks on Sydney Harbour NBC TODAY Show crew to Sydney, Australia 4th May 2015 (credit Destination NSW / Daniel Boud)

Fireworks on Sydney Harbour NBC TODAY Show crew to Sydney, Australia 4th May 2015 (credit Destination NSW / Daniel Boud) 

Uncle Max Eulo welcomes the NBC TODAY Show crew to Sydney, Australia 4th May 2015 (credit Destination NSW / Daniel Boud)

Uncle Max Eulo welcomes the NBC TODAY Show crew to Sydney, Australia 4th May 2015 (credit Destination NSW / Daniel Boud)

NBC TODAY Show broadcast

NBC TODAY Show broadcast

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