NSW has once again demonstrated it is the events capital of Australia with the NSW Government today announcing it will continue its support for one of the country’s most iconic events, the Parkes Elvis Festival, for a further three years.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said since 2015, the event has ignited the local economy attracting almost 40,000 overnight visitors to Parkes and pumping more than $28 million into local hotels, shops and tourism attractions.
“Over the past three years, visitor numbers to the Parkes Elvis Festival have soared by an incredible 32 per cent and there’s no doubt that our support has played a critical role in achieving this growth,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Having received funding through our Regional Flagship Events Program for four years until 2008 and through the Major Events Program since 2015, the Parkes Elvis Festival is one of our great event success stories.
“The Parkes Elvis Festival has become a must-see, must-do event for tourists from around Australia and the world and the NSW Government is proud to be committing a further three years of funding to this outstanding event,” he said.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the NSW Government was committed to driving visitation to rural and regional areas through world-class events.
“We’re absolutely committed to ensuring rural and regional NSW stays number one in Australia, which is why we’ll continue to support and secure events like the Parkes Elvis Festival so that local communities reap the benefits,” Mr Marshall said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless said since its launch in 1993, the Parkes Elvis Festival has grown to become one of the world’s largest Elvis Presley tribute celebrations.
“This event is recognised by Elvis fans from across the globe and I am delighted that we have committed support to the Parkes Elvis Festival through the NSW Government for the next three years,” Mr Colless said.
“We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to Parkes in January for what is set to be another standout event,” he said.
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