Recognised as the authority on gap years around the world since 1998, Tom acts as a media spokesperson, Government advisor and consultant in one of the fastest growing travel industry sector of the Millennium. As the 'Gap Year Guru' he is regularly invited to comment on gap year and independent travel related issues. During this decade he has invented products, offerings, phrases and concepts which form the skeleton of an industry now valued globally at over $10billion. Author, entrepreneur, motivator - the driving force behind the modern gap year industry - Sir Richard Branson commented that 'His energy and enthusiasm is infectious'.