Today Show crew receives “best welcome in the world”

“This is the best welcome we’ve ever had anywhere in the world!”

That’s the declaration made by Today Show host Karl Stefanovic when he and fellow morning show hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Richard Wilkins stepped off a plane at Sunshine Coast Airport shortly after noon today in preparation for their “We Love Australia” outside broadcast at Moffat Beach tomorrow.

Looking every bit relaxed in her red jacket, black pants and straw hat, Lisa made the most of the moment, sashaying down the red carpet to jazz music performed by the Shake It Up Music Big Band.

“We love the Sunshine Coast, so it seems only appropriate you love us right back,” Lisa said when asked what she thought of the welcome.

Co-host Richard Wilkins looked decidedly rock star while Karl was a throw-back to the ‘70s in his tiny brown shorts which were in direct contrast, size-wise, to his big smile.

“Obviously we weren’t prepared (for media) but this is the best welcome we’ve ever had anywhere in the world so it’s going to be a great afternoon,” Karl told journalists and camera crews.

“Earlier today (in Longreach) we lost a pig and the police were called. Hopefully nothing like that will happen on the Sunshine Coast. But you never know.”

Lisa, who honeymooned on the Sunshine Coast said she loved the area and the crew loved doing outside broadcasts around the nation.

“We want to catch up with locals and promoting this part of Australia to Australia is the best part,” Lisa said.

“Yes, it’s a little more stressful, for the people around us because it’s an uncontrolled environment but they do their jobs well.”

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the council had partnered with Sunshine Coast Airport, Sunshine Coast Destination Limited and Tourism and Events Queensland to bring the Today Show to the Sunshine Coast.

“Enticing the Today Show to include the Sunshine Coast in their “We Love Australia” trip is a real coup and the short and long-term benefits this coverage will provide cannot be underestimated,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“It’s a great chance to promote a range of our business and tourism opportunities.

“The program has a daily audience of 350,000 people and I understand up to four million viewers watch at least five minutes of the show each week.

“They will be given a close-up of our beautiful hinterland and beaches and a taste of our spectacular food culture.

“We are very confident that, like so many visitors, the Today Show crew will have a fantastic experience and will want to come back for more.

“With the announcements by Jetstar this week to expand services into Sunshine Coast Airport, and with Qantas commencing direct flights from December, there has never been a better and easier time to visit the Sunshine Coast.

“And with national exposure from the Today program, we can expect a tremendous finish to the year for tourism.”

Residents are invited to the outside broadcast at Bryce St, Moffat Beach from 5.30am tomorrow (Thursday, October 1).