Brett Ince returns to lead Geelong tourism body

BRETT Ince has returned to Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (TGGB), and will move into the chair of the regional tourism organisation’s executive director.

Mr Ince was previously TGGB’s business manager but left in 2018 to become Parks Victoria’s director of tourism and visitor experience.

TGGB chair John Stevens said Mr Ince was appointed following a recruitment process that attracted a competitive field of talented candidates.

“Brett’s passion and love for the region together with his formal qualifications, industry knowledge and experience made him an outstanding choice to lead this dynamic industry at a time of significant growth and opportunity.”

He said the Greater Geelong and The Bellarine region had experienced strong growth over the past 10 years, with more than 5.8 million visitors arriving each year and contributing $2.2 billion to the economy.

“Visitation is forecast to reach 7.5 million by 2027 so the challenge for the industry under Brett’s leadership will be to fully capitalise on this opportunity and maximise expenditure, employment and investment outcomes.

“It’s an exciting time for the industry and we needed to maintain and extend the local benefits from the growing visitor economy.”

Mr Ince will replace the long-serving Roger Grant, who has led the industry in the region for the past 25 years.

“Roger’s work and leadership has been outstanding for many years. He leaves the organisation and the industry in great shape,” Mr Stevens said.

“His contribution and leadership are recognised nationally and globally, and we sincerely thank him and wish him well in the next stage of his life.”

Mr Ince will begin his new role on May 27.