Tourism boss hails State Government’s $10.5 million Dark Mofo festival funding

TASMANIA’s tourism boss says winter in the state remains the hottest ticket in town, following the announcement of a five-year, $10.5 million funding deal.

Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael, left, and Tourism Tasmania CEO John Fitzgerald. Pictures: LUKE BOWDEN

TASMANIA’S tourism boss says winter remains the hottest ticket, with the Government’s announcement it will back the annual Dark Mofo celebration for a further five years in a $10.5 million investment.

Tourism Tasmanian chief executive John Fitzgerald has described the guaranteed funding stream as a “shot in the arm” for the community and tourism operators.

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Speaking at the Huon Valley Mid Winter Festival, where a record 13,000 patrons spilled into the Willie Smith site over three days, Mr Fitzgerald said winter events were redefining the state’s brand for visitors.

“What we have seen with Dark Mofo is a real growth in the winter season,” he said.

“Now 70,000 people a year say they are coming to Tasmania just to attend an event, and in the April to September period last year 480,000 people visited the state, up 9 per cent on the previous year.”

Dark Mofo’s Ogoh-Ogoh parade travels towards Dark Park for the festival’s fiery finish.

Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael said knowing the festival had backing for another five years gave his team a greater opportunity to develop strategic and productive relationships.

“The Government funding is crucial,” Mr Carmichael said.

“David Walsh has put in something like $14 million to the Mona Foma and Dark Mofo festivals ... so we do need this funding.”

Originally published as Tourism boss hails State Government’s $10.5 million Dark Mofo festival funding