Brett Ince steps away from TGGB

TOURISM Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (TGGB) executive director Brett Ince is on the move, announcing he will resign from the role towards the end of October.

Mr Ince, who has held the role at the tourism organisation for three-and-a-half years, was one of the most influential voices in supporting the tourism industry as it recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the visitor economy recently bouncing back to its pre-pandemic high of $1.1 billion.

He has previously held several other key leadership roles including director of tourism and visitor experience at Parks Victoria, deputy executive director of TGGB and business manager of Geelong Otway Tourism (TGGB’s predecessor).

Mr Ince is leaving TGGB to take up the job of Barwon South West regional director at Regional Development Victoria, part of the Victorian government’s Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

“I’m very grateful for my time with Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine and the genuine relationships I’ve developed throughout the industry,” he said.

“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.

“In the new role, I look forward to meeting with key leaders from the familiar turf of Geelong, the Bellarine and Great Ocean Road regions, right up to the South Australian border, all while learning more about the opportunities across the diverse range of sectors that support our communities to thrive.”

TGGB says Mr Ince’s departure, announced last week, came 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, the 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.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Brett to continue to grow and diversify in his career while giving back to the broader region, though noting his decision to leave the tourism industry was not made lightly,” TGGB board chair Bill Mithen said.

“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.”

Mr Ince’s last day as executive director will be October 28, and TGGB deputy executive director Tracy Carter will become acting executive director from that date while recruitment for a new executive director gets under way. The position will be advertised in the coming weeks.