The Travel Startup: Simon Philipp from Expique

This month in The Travel Start-Up we speak to Simon Philipp. Originally from London England, Simon moved to Bangkok almost 5 years ago without any intention of calling BKK home. He went on to create a unique experienced-based product for travellers called Expique as well as lead Travel Massive in his city. We caught up with Simon to learn more about his start-up and how he is helping travellers see the Bangkok they never knew existed.

What is your brand about?

Expique comes from the combination of the words “EXPerience” and “unIQUE” so as the name suggested is about creating unique experiences. We are based in Bangkok and while it is very difficult to be truly unique in a city that is one of the most established and mature tourism destination, I believe there is still room for innovative tours and experiences.

Who is your brand for?

Expique aims to target the more curious of travelers. Maybe they hate the mainstream tours or maybe they have visited Bangkok many times before and are looking for something different to get deeper into the culture. Sometimes this means expats living in Bangkok and even the occasional Thais new to the city.

What makes your brand awesome or different from other similar ones?

We’re only a year old and to start, we focused on tours but now we are developing a lot more innovative experiences that are about the local side of the city and less about the touristy areas. We take travellers through the backstreets, learn stories behind the communities, and soon we hope to offer expique dining experiences. We once offered a homemade Christmas dinner to all our customers! On Fridays we offer free tours.

What challenges have you faced in getting your start-up at the time off the ground and gaining traction in the industry?

We started in the middle of a political crisis and military coup in Thailand but the biggest challenge has been simply recruiting great staff and guides. We’re always looking to add to our team!

Travel Massive is about empowering change in travel. How is your brand changing the future of the industry or helping to make travel better?

We are providing alternatives to the mainstream and hopefully making people think more about the local communities when they travel.

The travel industry is changing faster than ever. What do you think is the biggest challenge in the travel industry?

The Uber and AirBNB effect on tour guides is going to be an interesting challenge for us. In the tour operator business, licensed tour operators are required to use licensed guides but in future, we may face a similar challenge – should travellers use licensed guides or should anyone be allowed to lead a tour?

One of the challenges facing new companies and start-ups today is funding. Do you have any tips for finding and securing investors or gaining traction in the industry?

Keep it lean and try and avoid needing funding in the first place. Keep an eye on finances!

As a tourism professional, what benefits have you seen from being a part of Travel Massive meet-ups?

There are some really great upcoming travel companies in Bangkok and I think the biggest benefit is being around like-minded people and sharing ideas of how you can change the travel space. Sometimes these people turn into partners or even some of the ideas may turn into new businesses! And if that fails then hopefully at least you make friends.

Okay tell us more about you.

What was your first travel job?

I organized a ski trip for 100 friends (and got paid!)

Favourite place in Bangkok?

The Flower Market at 2am

Favorite Thai Food?

Somtum and grilled chicken

What is the most unique travel experience you had?

Hitch-hiking from London to Morocco

If you could book a ticket tomorrow, where would you go?

Who’s paying? If you are I would go to Bhutan!