Grant Hunt announced as new Chair of Tourism and Events Queensland Board

September 8, 2023

Grant Hunt - Director of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, the G’Day Group and Discovery Parks - has been named as the new Chair of Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) effective from 13th September.

Hunt is a leading advocate for nature-based and Indigenous tourism and was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020 for exceptional contribution to the tourism Industry.

Hunt has previously served as the chair of Tourism Tasmania, Tourism Northern Territory and the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse and is also a former Tourism Australia board member.

Outgoing chair Brett Godfrey has led the TEQ board since 2017.

Hunt’s appointment was announced by Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe who shared “Firstly, I want to thank Brett Godfrey for his leadership and support for Queensland’s tourism industry.

“Brett’s innate understanding of tourism, marketing and innovation helped Queensland operators navigate the pandemic’s rollercoaster of uncertainty and opportunity.

“He leaves a record-breaking visitor economy and big shoes to fill.

“Grant Hunt joins the TEQ board to drive once-in-a-generation opportunities for Queensland tourism operators ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“With expertise in First Nations and nature-based visitor experiences, Grant is well-credentialled to back Queensland to shine with an $11 billion international visitor economy by 2032.”

Hunt added “I’m honoured to be appointed to this role and know how important the coming years will be to Queensland as we build towards what is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in 2032.

“There is a real sense of optimism in the industry and I’m determined that TEQ capitalises on that through innovative marketing campaigns and a calendar of world-class events which will bring even more visitors to our beautiful state.

“What Queensland has can be found nowhere else on earth – whether it be the Great Barrier Reef and our ancient rainforests, to the vast Outback, to our pristine national parks and two of the world’s oldest living cultures.

“This is exactly what travellers across Australia and the world are demanding right now, which means we are perfectly placed to capitalise on this decade of opportunity.”

Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Patricia O’Callaghan enthused “Myself and the team at TEQ are excited to have someone of Mr Hunt’s calibre join as Chair and we look forward to learning from his guidance and leadership in coming years.

“Our recently released TEQ Blueprint outlines our strategic approach through to 2032 and I’m excited to execute that with Mr Hunt’s guidance as we work to take the state’s visitor economy to new heights.

“Mr Hunt’s knowledge of the regions and his whole-of-state approach will be absolutely crucial in achieving what was outlined in the Blueprint and I’m excited about what the future holds.”

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26th October 2022 - Trip.com Group launches global campaign with Tourism and Events Queensland

14th October 2022 - Patricia O’Callaghan named as Tourism and Events Queensland’s new Chief Executive

27th July 2022 - Tourism and Events Queensland initiative helps operators strive for continuous improvement

14th June 2022 - Tourism and Events Queensland begins search for new Chief Executive

6th August 2021 - New appointments made to Tourism and Events Queensland board to help support tourism recovery

4th March 2021 - Tourism and Events Queensland partners with SCA in Queensland on ‘The Locals’ Guide’

21st September 2020 - Tourism and Events Queensland secures Toowoomba flower festival for another five years

8th July 2020 - SportAccord announces long-term Silver Partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland

5th October 2018 - International events attended by Tourism and Events Queensland executives under scrutiny

6th August 2018 - Johnathan Thurston joins board of Tourism and Events Queensland

13th June 2017 - Award-winning Cairns tour operator joins Tourism and Events Queensland Board

10th January 2014 - Tourism and Events Queensland welcomes new chief executive

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