Life in the time of COVID-19 with Aiden Darling Harbour’s Michael Sharp
This week, we caught up with Michael Sharp, general manager of the new Aiden Darling Harbour, to find out how he’s been faring throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are you reading?
I’ve just finished reading The Diary of Anne Frank. It really put things into perspective, with what we have gone through over the past 12 months. No more complaining from me about lockdown or hotel quarantine.
What are you watching?
When I’m not working, I generally catch up on sport: English Premier League football, American baseball and F1, mostly. I’ve also enjoyed watching the World Surf League in Australia this year.
What are you cooking?
I love to cook. For me, it’s all about experiencing new flavours and learning new skills. I live and work in Pyrmont, so am very fortunate to have the Sydney Fish Market very close by.
I’ve recently instituted ‘Seafood Sundays’ in my house, where I cook up a new seafood dish each Sunday. It’s a great way to get out, try new things and experience the local markets.
How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?
I enjoy going for a run and taking my 18-month-old spoodle, Bella, for a walk. There are so many great running paths around Pyrmont, most of which connect to other parts of the city and surrounds.
I like to head over to the Royal Botanic Garden, and even across Sydney Harbour Bridge and get a ferry back – it’s a great way to stretch the legs. Pyrmont is also a great dog-friendly neighbourhood with plenty of parks to explore.
What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?
The camaraderie in hotels and among the broader travel industry has been amazing. We all experienced hard times, but the amount of people looking out for one another was just incredible to see and experience.
What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis?
Definitely resilience – personal resilience. It’s been really tough in our industry, but everyone banded together to help each other and the industry has survived as a result.
What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis?
Support each other. Support your teams. Support your colleagues.
Where is your favourite domestic travel destination?
I’ve just returned to Sydney after living in New Zealand for five years. I made the most of my time across the ditch getting around to discover the local culture and diverse destinations it has to offer whenever I could!
Back home, I love Port Macquarie. Chilled vibe, full of great beaches and not far too from Sydney – a great weekend getaway option.
What is the one international travel memory keeping you going through this time?
I was blown away by a trip to New York pre-pandemic – the immense size and scale of the city that never sleeps! I can’t wait to get back there.
There are a number of people overseas who I’m really looking forward to seeing again, to hear about their lockdown experiences firsthand and have a beer with them. By comparison, we have been so lucky in Australia, having handled COVID so well as a community and a nation.
Where do you want to travel to once international travel restrictions ease up?
Pre-COVID, I had planned to travel to Japan and then Scotland for a friend’s wedding. The wedding has since been postponed, so hopefully I can still make it there, and Japan is still very high on my wish list.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Aiden Darling Harbour Life in the time of COVID-19 Michael Sharp midweek interviewLatest News
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.