Philip Clapé: A Lifelong Passion for Travel
- Pri Mills
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
At TADA24 in Melbourne, we had the pleasure of recognising some of the industry’s finest professionals, and one of them was Philip Clapé from Holidays Beckon. Winner of the Outstanding Europe Destination Achiever award, Philip’s expertise in crafting unforgettable European travel experiences is truly inspiring. We recently caught up with him to learn more about his journey in travel—and hopefully, we’ll see him again at TADA 25!
How Did You Get Started in the Travel Industry?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to work in travel. While my career initially took a few detours—including a stint in finance—an opportunity in the airline industry helped me find my true calling.
I began with TAA/Australian Airlines in Darwin, working in reservations and group travel, before moving into yield management, training, and system development. I was fortunate to be part of a team developing a groundbreaking revenue management system, which gave me a deep understanding of the strategic and analytical side of the industry.
I also worked at Cairns International Airport, handling passenger check-in, baggage hall assistance, and boarding gate management. Later, I joined a hospitality management company, coordinating the flight booking operations to their resorts on the Great Barrier Reef. These experiences gave me a broad and practical view of the industry from the ground up.
Later, after taking a redundancy when the airline merged with Qantas, I transitioned into Healthcare I.T., a field that pushed me in new ways. But my heart was always in travel, and after moving to Trinity Beach, I saw the perfect opportunity to return to my passion—this time on my own terms.
With Holidays Beckon, I now bring my years of industry expertise into creating highly personalised, seamless travel experiences for my clients.
Most Memorable Trip You’ve Planned?
While I specialise in European destinations, one of the most rewarding trips I’ve ever planned was a bespoke South American adventure. My clients had meticulously researched their dream itinerary and needed an expert to bring it all together.
From the Bolivian salt flats to Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Patagonia, I worked with a trusted supplier/destination expert who crafted an extraordinary, fully tailored itinerary. Their journey even included the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train and a flyover of the Nazca Lines—experiences that took their trip from great to unforgettable.
When they returned, they told me it wasn’t just a holiday—it was a life-changing experience. Moments like these remind me why I love this industry.
Advice for Aspiring Travel Agents?
Find your niche and own it.
With the rise of online booking tools, clients aren’t just looking for someone to book a trip—they need an expert who understands their unique travel style and can craft experiences they wouldn’t find on their own.
Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, focus on what excites you most, whether it’s luxury cruises, solo travel, or bespoke itineraries. When you specialise, you attract the right clients, build strong supplier relationships, and position yourself as a go-to expert.
This is particularly true for baby boomers, who are among today’s most active travellers. Many do extensive research before approaching a travel agent—but what they really need is insight, reassurance, and expert guidance to bring their vision to life.
Philip’s Must-Know Travel Tip
For cruise travellers, be mindful when booking shore excursions. While independent operators may offer unique experiences or cost savings, always ensure a guarantee that you’ll return to the port on time.
Booking through the cruise line is the safest option, as the operators maintain direct communication with the ship. Some third-party providers also guarantee a timely return, but not all do—so always check the policy before committing. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free cruise experience!
Final Thoughts
From airline strategy to personalised travel planning, Philip Clapé’s journey in the travel industry has been one of passion, adaptability, and dedication to his clients. His ability to craft seamless, unforgettable experiences has made him a trusted expert in the field.
No doubt, he’s got more incredible journeys ahead—we can’t wait to see where travel takes him next, hopefully back at TADA 25!
💡 To all travel advisors: Find your niche, embrace your expertise, and create unforgettable journeys—that’s what makes all the difference.
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