Parkes hosted more than 200 guests on Saturday evening for the inland NSW tourism industry's night of nights, the 2008 CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards held at the Parkes Leagues Club.
The event has been touted by many regular attendees as the best so far in its five year history.
The awards have previously been held in Coonabarabran, Tamworth, Wagga, and Wentworth, the praise was heaped on Parkes on Saturday because of the calibre of entertainment, the seamless program of activities, and the famous Parkes hospitality.
The 'Viva Las Parkes' theming created a real spectacle, with guests glammed up and in the mood for a celebration.
Elvis made a special appearance, accompanied by local band Risky Business, all of which was very well received.
Master of Ceremonies, Mr Greg Page wowed the audience with tales from his travels around the world as a former Wiggle, and performed a couple of impromptu Wiggles favourites following pleas from the crowd.
When it came to the formal aspect of the evening, Parkes Shire fared very well, with three local operators receiving awards.
The local winners were:
. Dish Café in the 'Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services' category;
. CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival in he 'Festivals & Events' category; and
. Newell Highway Promotions Committee in the 'Tourism Marketing' category.
According to Parkes Shire Tourism Manager Kelly Hendry, "this is the best result that Parkes has ever achieved at the Inland NSW Tourism Awards.
‘The operators can be very proud of their business achievements and success at this level".
Parkes also boasted three additional finalists - the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope Discovery Centre, Kadina Bed & Breakfast and Trundle Bush Tucker Day.
These operators were thrilled to be recognised as finalists, and found the award submission process very valuable to their future business planning efforts.
From here, the Dish Café, CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival, Newell Highway Promotions Committee and CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope Discovery Centre will proceed to the state tourism awards.
The Dish Café, CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival, and Newell Highway Promotions Committee receive automatic finalist status at this next level.
The CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope Discovery Centre will also re-work its submission to reflect an altered qualifying period, and believe that they can up the ante and be competitive at this next level.
"Overall we were very pleased that Parkes was chosen to host this event.
“Whilst it has been many months in the making, and a lot of work for Parkes Visitor Information Centre, the positive feedback has certainly made it all worth it," said Kelly.
"The evening not only boosted visitation and enhanced accommodation occupancy, but allowed us to showcase what Parkes is about and what we have to offer to leading tourism operators throughout the state.
“Whilst most attendees had visited Parkes on previous occasions, for some this was their first visit.
“Everyone was amazed at the effort and preparation that had gone into gala awards ceremony and offered praise and acclaim to Parkes for hosting such a successful and enjoyable event.
“Guests also enjoyed our tourism attractions, retail and hospitality outlets whilst in town,” Kelly said.
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