The 2014 Inland Tourism Awards dinner will be held on July 26 at the Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Club, with a “A Gondola Journey Masquerade Party” planned. 

Economic development and tourism manager Greg Lawrence said it was a real coup for the city to host the event.

“These are very prestigious awards. As you’d expect it takes a good month to write submissions. If you succeed in winning you go on to state and then to compete nationally.

“Griffith is very fortunate to have two finalists this year in the Griffith Visitors Information Centre and La Festa.”

Tourism committee chairwoman, Christine Stead, is urging the whole community to turn on the old-fashioned Griffith charm for the occasion.

“It is exciting. This is a big tourism event and we urge locals to get behind it,” she said.

“There will be a lot of people coming to visit.

“We are keen to showcase the wonderful local produce. It will also be an opportunity to welcome senior executives from Destination NSW and some ministers. Invitations are out and we can’t wait.”

Dress for the dinner is formal/cocktail with a mask. The evening begins at 6pm with pre-dinner drinks in the Brett Naseby Gallery in Crystal Arcade followed by the dinner and awards presentation at the Exies.

Tickets for the awards dinner are now on sale and can be purchased online by visiting www.inlandtourismawards.com.au.