Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine’s Executive Director, Brett Ince, has announced he will finish up in his role at the end of the month.
Brett has been Executive Director for 3.5 years, and a key force in supporting Greater Geelong and The Bellarine’s tourism industry through its recovery of the pandemic and, as recently announced, helping visitor spend in our region bounce back to its pre-pandemic high of being a $1.1 billion visitor economy.
Brett leaves at a time when the region’s tourism industry is incredibly bright, with an investment pipeline of $1.8 billion including private hotel developments, the Spirit of Tasmania move, Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Geelong Arts Centre and GMHBA Stadium redevelopments, and Geelong’s role as a regional hub in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
In addition to his current role, Brett has previously held several key leadership roles including Director of Tourism and Visitor Experience at Parks Victoria, Deputy Executive Director of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine and Business Manager of Geelong Otway Tourism.
Brett’s decision follows his acceptance of a position as Regional Director, Barwon South West, Regional Development Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.
His last day as Executive Director will be Friday 28 October 2022.
Tracy Carter, who is currently the Deputy Executive Director, will commence in the role of Acting Executive Director from Friday 28 October while recruitment for a new Executive Director gets underway. The position will be advertised in the coming weeks.
Comments are to be attributed to Bill Mithen, Chairperson Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine:
I’d like to thank Brett for his dedication to Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine over the past 3.5 years as Executive Director. He has led us through some of the most challenging circumstances the industry has faced, and he can be extremely proud of his achievements.
Brett’s commitment and passion for the visitor economy and his dedication to, and knowledge of, the tourism sector are obvious to all that have had the pleasure of working with him. We wish him luck in his new role and he will be greatly missed.
Comments are to be attributed to Brett Ince, Executive Director Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine:
I’m very grateful for my time with Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine and the genuine relationships I’ve developed throughout the industry. I leave very proud of everything we’ve achieved together, especially in recent years.
I’m excited to take on this opportunity and important role for the Barwon South West region while being able to continue working with a region I know and love.
Comments are to be attributed to Tracy Carter, Deputy Executive Director Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine:
As Deputy Executive Director, I have worked very closely with Brett during his time at the helm of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, particularly as we navigated the challenges of the pandemic these past couple of years.
With the support of our board and the diligence of our team, TGGB will continue to focus on our strategies and implement projects while the process to appoint a permanent Executive Director is undertaken.