NSW Premier Morris Iemma today welcomed the news that Sydney has yet again been voted "the number one city brand in the world" in the annual Anholt City Brands Index.
"Sydney has taken out the number one ranking ahead of London, Paris, Rome and New York – and there are plenty of good reasons why," Mr Iemma said.
"Sydney has shown that it is not just a great tourist destination, it is truly a global city, ranked top of the class for beauty, climate and friendliness.
"Importantly, the index also found that Sydney is seen as one of the top three cities for employment and business opportunity.
"This vote of confidence in our city is a great credit to Sydneysiders and the local tourism industry as well as the public amenities of transport, schools and hospitals."
"While there is more work to be done, the people of NSW have much to be proud of in the high quality services being delivered everyday across NSW.
"Winning this title for a second year confirms independently what we already know – Sydney is a truly great city of which we can all be proud."
Mr Iemma said Sydney's number one position wasn't a fluke.
"We will continue to work hard to deliver on our commitment to improve services in Sydney and across NSW."
Index report author and leading authority on the images of cities and countries Simon Anholt said: "Sydney is seen as a modern, globalised city with very good infrastructure and economic potential, as well as being culturally diverse.
"It is no exaggeration to say that Sydney is as close to having a ‘perfect place brand' as any city can have."
Forty cities were assessed for the index, which surveyed more than 10,300 people in 20 countries.
Executive Director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce, Patricia Forsythe, said that the index demonstrates Sydney's competitive advantage as a business destination.
"Sydney is unique in its combination of great lifestyle and economic opportunity," Mrs Forsythe said.
"Sydney's prosperity is directly related to its cultural diversity and social vibrancy.
"Our globalised economy and engagement with the Asia Pacific ensures our ongoing development and competitiveness."
International entrepreneur and co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs Peter Holmes a Court said, "The great thing about Sydney is that it has it all - a business culture that takes on the world, a sporting culture second to none and a lifestyle that is the envy of the world".
Artistic Director and CEO of the Sydney Festival, Fergus Linehan, said "Sydney is unique in the way it offers environments that rarely sit side by side - a strikingly beautiful natural setting, a major commercial hub and a culturally rich and diverse metropolis – all making for a perfect platform for our international Festival.
"The recent growth in attendances across all art forms and the enhanced cultural infrastructure are testament to this wonderful city's sophistication, international outlook and sense of fun. There's simply nowhere in the world like it."
The Anholt City Brands Index report is available from here.