BY PHILIP SHAW, FOUNDER & CEO
"Feel the fear. Do it anyway."
I can still distinctly remember the feeling of boarding a 13-hour international flight from Johannesburg to Hong Kong at 13 - on my own.
I was heading to Singapore for a school interview before my family's impending move there. I was to be met by my father, who was already there for work.
I can still recall that combination of excitement and nerves, and all the "but what ifs" swirling in my brain.
My first big adventure!
The exposure to new cultures, new food, new ways of living, all fed my soul.
My adventures and travels have been constant ever since.
They have resulted in me living in Singapore, London, Sydney, Bali, Cape Town, and now Vancouver Island.
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."
I have always craved experimenting outside my comfort zone - especially when it's in a totally new environment.Bike touring in France, whitewater kayaking in Ecuador and Costa Rica, backpacking South America or Asia, ultra trail marathons on the Orca Islands, entering triathlons including one Ironman, bungee jumping and parachuting.
Currently, gravel biking and "bikepacking" (camping in the wild on multi day trips) are consuming a lot of my attention because it’s an incredible combination of physical exertion and connection to nature.
"Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion."
In 2007, after working as a consultant for investment banks and large corporates for 14 years, my internal light was slowly dimming.
I eventually took the leap into entrepreneurship and founded the digital marketing agency CleverClicks.
The past 17 years have been exhilarating, with the inevitable highs and lows of growing a business.
While CleverClicks has successfully serviced many industries and was continuing to operate effectively with a solid team and systems in place, I began to feel the need to start another business and serve an industry that truly connected with my soul.
I realised my entire life I had been “motivating” friends and family to do more adventurous activities so they could experience the thrill and life-changing benefits of moving beyond their comfort zone.
After a 10-day adventure packed holiday with my 12-year-old daughter in Costa Rica (on one of my clients' businesses), it became obvious:
Rather than persuade people 1:1 to seek more adventure, the way to reach 100’s and 1000’s of people would be to combine my passion and expertise of digital marketing with my passion for adventure travel.
We had already been working very successfully with an adventure travel company in Costa Rica for a few years, setting up powerful marketing systems and strategies to produce a predictable flow of new clients.
And travel companies are in desperate need of strong digital marketing strategies to beat the large travel aggregators (OTAs) that essentially steal their clients and their margins. And almost all adventure travel companies have tours that are not at capacity, meaning they are leaving significant money on the table!
We had the skills and experience (17 years), the team, the tools, the systems, and most definitely, the passion to make it happen.
Adventure Travel Digital was born.
Our team of digital marketing and business consulting experts are the creative force behind Adventure Travel Digital's success. We're committed to helping your adventure tour company grow with proven digital marketing strategies tailored specifically for the adventure tourism industry.
Favourite quote
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all"
Favourite travel experience
Living in Bali for 18 months with my wife and 2 year old daughter.
Being immersed in a different culture for so long, especially one as wonderful as the Balinese culture, does wonderful things for your soul, and your outlook on the world.
Favourite quote
"In order to grow, you must be willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable."
Favourite travel experience
For the past two decades, my partner and I have been on an epic summer adventure. For 3 weeks of the year, we embark on unforgettable road trips to Europe's hidden gems.
From charming villages to bustling cities, we’ve experienced diverse cultures, savoured incredible food, and met fascinating people.
It’s our annual escape, and as I sit here, fresh off our latest European escapade, I can’t wait to plan next year’s adventure.
Favourite quote
"Life doesn't get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient."
Favourite travel experience
Travelling through Europe with my partner and friends for 3 weeks and seeing live bands that we all used to listen to in our younger days.
As we get older and have more responsibilities, it was an incredible experience to just spend a few weeks living in the moment and experiencing live music that we all grew up listing to and enjoying.
And there was a lot of beer, which was also good.
Favourite quote
"Yesterday you said tomorrow, so just do it"
Favourite travel experience
I went to India a few years ago and it was truly a culture shock for me.
Everything was so different compared to what I was used to, from the food to the language as well as how people drive.
This experience made me so grateful for where I come from, but most importantly I got to learn a lot about another culture which was cool.
Favourite quote
“All growth starts at the end of your comfort zone.”
Favourite travel experience
My favourite travel experience was traveling and living in Bali for 6 months in 2023.
Being able to experience the culture and daily life of Indonesia was an amazing experience, in addition to the climate and amazing people I met.
Favourite quote
"You have to risk it to get the biscuit"
Favourite travel experience
My favorite travel experience was a 7-day cruise to Madagascar.
It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, with unlimited food, drinks, and plenty of fun in the sun.
Favourite quote
"Stop taking the easy way out in life, step out of your comfort zone every once in awhile"
Favourite travel experience
My favorite travel experience was visiting Kruger National Park.
The diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife made it an unforgettable adventure, offering a peaceful escape and a close-up view of African wildlife that nature lovers and adventure seekers would cherish.
Favourite quote
"Things are only impossible until they are not"
Favourite travel experience
Out of all the things I have actually done, my favourite adventure travel would be kayaking along river routes. This was an intense physical challenge but it was also awesome to enjoy this over a period of time, with a team of people or partners.
Favourite quote
"Nobody cares, work harder!"
Favourite travel experience
I enjoy going into the bush. Growing up near the Kruger National Park has molded my love for South Africa and its fauna and flora.
It gives me a sense of peace and gratitude to be in the wild, untamed parts of this beautiful land.
Favourite quote
“The moment you take a step out of your comfort zone, is the moment things will shift for you. Go towards what you fear.”
Favourite travel experience
One of my favourite travel memories is from Ubud, Bali, where I got to swing high over the rice fields.
The swing was attached to these huge palm trees that hung over the hills, which were also super high up. It was kind of scary, but also really fun.
It was an epic adventure that I’ll always remember!
Favourite quote
"Either you run the day, or the day runs you."
Favourite travel experience
My most memorable travel experience in South Africa was working in the heart of Limpopo for a month.
Immersing myself in the local culture and natural surroundings was eye-opening and exciting.
Waking up to monkeys on the porch provided a unique perspective on wildlife coexistence that you can't get in urban settings.