The awards are held annually to acknowledge excellence in tourism in the four regional tourism areas of Central, Inland, Murray and Riverina.

This year’s event will be held in Echuca on Saturday, July 23, at the Moama Bowling Club.

The Parkes Elvis Festival is one of 39 finalists competing in 19 categories across the four inland tourism regions.

Newly appointed Festival Director Cathy Treasure described the nomination as an honour for the Parkes community.

“It is wonderful to be named a finalist in the Festivals and Events category which we were lucky enough to win last year,” Ms Treasure said.

“This year’s Festival attracted more than 22,000 visitors, had a global media reach of 80 million and injected $11M into the regional economy.

“To be named a finalist is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of Council employees and Festival volunteers without whose assistance the 2016  event would not have been such a success.”

Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith said Council was delighted with the nomination.

“Not only for the nomination in the Festivals and Events category but also for the nomination for Destination Marketing,” Cr Keith said.

“This is a fabulous outcome for Parkes Shire Council and the community.

“It highlights Council’s proactive approach to destination development and marketing, and growing the visitor economy for the region.”

The Regional Tourism Awards give tourism organisations and individuals an insight into their industry and promote tourism within their region.

They have been credited for elevating regional tourism businesses to achieve statewide and national acclaim.

The seven finalists from Central NSW Tourism includes:

Parkes Elvis Festival.

Parkes Shire Council (Events category).

Canowindra Balloon Festival.

Lakeview Luxury Cabins Orange.

Reset your Senses in Mudgee Region.

Dubbo City Holiday Park.

Manera Heights Apartments (Dubbo).