Parkes Elvis Festival has been named the "Best of the Best" at the inaugural Grey Nomads Awards.
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Announced at a gala dinner on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, the Festival took out the top prize after also winning the "Best Grey Nomad Festival or Event" category earlier in the evening.
The Grey Nomad Awards recognise communities, tourism operators and events that provide exemplary products, services or experiences for travellers aged over 55.
The program expands the appeal of Australian towns and regions, encouraging these travellers to see Australia while supporting positive aging through soft adventure and social inclusion.
The "Best of the Best" was granted to the category winner judged as the most outstanding.
Parkes Elvis Festival Director Cathy Treasure said the event has an extremely hard-working team of staff and volunteers that work around the clock to deliver a five-day Festival with more than 200 unique events.
"Winning this award is wonderful validation for all the blood sweat and tears that go into delivering this event to our audiences," Ms Treasure said.
Grey Nomad Awards Director Kim Morgan said the win is a significant feather in Parkes' cap.
"Winning a Grey Nomad Award says to these travellers that you offer a superior experience where their needs and enjoyment have been taken into special consideration, providing them with verified information that will guide their decisions on where to travel and what to experience," she said.
Judging was conducted by mature-age tourism and event professionals from around Australia, some of whom had experienced the grey nomad lifestyle, lending weight to Parkes Elvis Festival's success.
The criteria focused on the way the things that long-haul overland travellers seek, such as authentic experiences, comradery, and reliable mobile reception, easy access to eating and shopping places, well-appointed amenities, and great customer service.
"The towns and organisations behind the winning entries showed clear evidence that they take this visitor segment into consideration in their planning and offerings," Ms Morgan said.
In being presented with the two awards, Parkes Elvis Festival and Parkes Shire Council were praised for the thorough research they had conducted to attract and satisfy this group.
The judges were impressed that this inland town in the heart of New South Wales has found such a unique way to attract tens of thousands of visitors when much of Australia is solely focussed on seaside holidays.
Parkes Elvis Festival is held every year in the second week in January to coincide with Elvis Presley's birthday.
Now in its 28th year, the Festival continues to grow - with more than 200 events across five fabulous, fun-filled days.
Tickets to all Parkes Elvis Festival shows, across the many venues in the city, are available to purchase online now at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
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