Tom co-founded Experience Travel Group. Born and raised in London, he’s spent most of his adult life on the move, mainly across Asia.
After studying Drama at Bristol University, Tom seemed set for a future in the arts or media. He worked in camera departments on feature films and spent years with Channel 4 News (long before their acrimonious stand-off with the Sri Lankan government). But the pull of travel was stronger. Adventure won.
He first fell in love with Sri Lanka in 1999 during a voluntary teaching placement in rural Anamaduwa, a place he now calls home. Over the years, he’s become a true expert on all things Sri Lankan. He speaks fluent Sinhala and has explored every district of the island by motorbike, his favourite way to travel. He also co-owns The Mudhouse, a one-of-a-kind eco-lodge tucked away in the jungle — a special place ETG travellers rave about.
Tom started his travel career as an adventure tour leader for Explore Worldwide, taking him to Libya, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Spain, Madeira and Oman. During a break between tours in 2003, a casual pint in a London pub with his old school friend Sam Clark turned into something bigger. Discovering they had the same ideas for creating authentic, in-depth experiences, Experience Travel Group was born. They both quit their jobs and started out on their own, moving to Sri Lanka – the first of the company’s destinations.
Over the years, Tom has worn almost every hat in the company. These days, he focuses on what he does best. As ‘ETG-er at Large,’ he scouts new experiences, builds our destination knowledge, and keeps strong ties between the London team and our partners on the ground.
In his so-called spare time, Tom DJs, sets up sports courts and nets across some of Sri Lanka’s hotels and commercially farms lettuce. Yep, really.
“Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we were born.” – Albert Einstein
Feedback from ETG Travellers
ETG look outside the box
Experience Travel Group live up to their name
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
