Brett Godfrey appointed Tourism and Events Queensland chair

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced Brett Godfrey as the new Tourism and Events Queensland chair.

The Premier said Mr Godfrey was a visionary entrepreneur with an extensive background in aviation and nature-based tourism experience.

“I am delighted that Mr Godfrey has accepted this appointment at such an important time for the state’s tourism industry,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Brett has a proven track record of innovative industry leadership and I am confident he will provide strong strategic leadership on the TEQ Board.

“Mr Godfrey has 25 years of industry experience and is just the person to help drive industry growth and innovation in an intensely competitive environment with rapidly evolving consumer demands.”

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones said Mr Godfrey would commence as chairperson immediately, replacing Mr Bob East who left the role to take up the position as Tourism Australia chair.

“We know that a strong tourism industry means jobs for Queenslanders and having someone of Mr Godfrey’s calibre in this key leadership role will help ensure we extract maximum value from our investment,” Ms Jones said.

“Brett’s industry experience includes co-founding Virgin Australia, serving as Deputy Chair of Tourism Australia and being awarded the Australian Centenary Medal for his service to tourism and aviation.

“Whether it’s through aviation attraction, events, marketing or world-class experiences, Brett has the runs on the board.”

He owns and manages a portfolio of tourism assets including Noosa’s Makepeace Island in partnership with Sir Richard Branson, hotels, lodges, historic properties and guided walking journeys.

Mr Godfrey said he was honoured to be appointed to the position.

“Queensland has that something special, whether it’s our stunning beaches, the reef, or the great characters living the Queensland lifestyle, there’s truly no better place to visit for leisure or adventure, business or events,” he said.

“I have always found it easy to invest in Queensland – from setting up Virgin Australia’s headquarters here, to my tourism and environmental initiatives  and settling my family in Brisbane – and I look forward to bringing that passion together with my experience to help lead TEQ,” he said.

“There is a sense of confidence in the industry as we see traditional markets re-strengthening and Asian markets growing exponentially.

“At the same time, global travellers are demanding quality experiences of the world’s natural assets in an environmentally respectful way and this is a significant area of interest and expertise for me that I look forward to enhancing for Queensland.

“Overall our aim is to get more visitors to stay longer, spend more, tell their friends and return again.”

Tourism and Events Queensland Board Members

• Brett Godfrey (Chairperson)

Founder and Managing Director, TB2 Capital 

• Julieanne Alroe (Deputy Chairperson)

CEO and Managing Director, Brisbane Airport Corporation

• James Dixon

Co-Managing Director and Founder, Down Under Tours Australia

• Paul Donovan

Executive General Manager Business Development and Marketing, Queensland Airports Limited

• Anna Guillan AM

Regional Director Sales and Marketing Australia and New Zealand, Kerzner International

• Karen Hanna Miller

Executive Producer, Oculus Productions

• Professor Judith McLean

Chair Arts Education (QUT Creative Industries, Education and QPAC Scholar in Residence), Queensland Performing Arts Centre

• Gary Smith

Managing Director, Tourism Leisure Corporation

• Damien Walker
  
  Director General, Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games

Media Contact:

Premier's Office:         Geoff Breusch  0417 272 875

Minister Jones Office: Matt Jutsum     0408 998 940