Parkes Elvis Festival was awarded the winner in the Festivals and Events category at the Awards which were held in Euchuca Moama last Saturday.

The Festivals and Events category recognises festivals, events and exhibitions that attract fewer than 50,000 visitors, enhance the profile and appeal of the destination in which they are held and create a significant economic impact for the destination.

Parkes Shire Council also picked up silver in the Destination Marketing category for the development and implementation of the 'Parkes it all adds up' brand and associated campaigns.

Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM, who accepted the awards on behalf of Council, said it is a fantastic achievement for the Parkes Elvis Festival and a credit to all the hard work Council staff and volunteers put into the Festival. 

"The Elvis Festival has grown to be an internationally recognised event, which injects $11 million into the local economy. However, the festival would not be possible without the support of the local community and the assistance of over 100 volunteers", Cr Keith said.

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

Chair of the Awards, Jane Barnes congratulated the Award winners and finalists for their contribution to regional tourism.

“The 13th annual Regional Tourism Awards showcased some of the best tourism attractions, products and operators in NSW and Victoria,” she said.  

“This year, all entrants were of a high caliber. In some categories the marks were so close that a silver and bronze award was given.”

Parkes Shire Council is now looking forward to the state tourism awards, with the finalists to be announced on Friday, September 30.