This week, we caught up with Sean Martin, managing director for Australia and New Zealand at G Adventures, to find out how he’s been faring since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
What are you reading?
The Culture Map by Erin Meyer. A really interesting book about forming business relationships across different cultures.
What are you watching?
Up until recently, it was Olympics, Olympics and Olympics. I couldn’t get enough of it! There is no better theatre in the world than this event, in my eyes.
What are you listening to?
Lots of ABC NewsRadio. Since the pandemic hit, I have become addicted to it. I like their unbiased reporting and the variety of topics they cover.
What are you cooking?
Mainly vegetarian meals at the moment. I read a book a couple of years ago called The Age-Well Project that has changed my views on diet and has inspired many great recipes.
How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?
For me, the two go hand in hand. I’m very disciplined to ensure that I’m playing touch football a couple of times a week, get to the gym, run and cycle. If I’m not keeping physically fit, that’s when I can get a bit down, so I make sure I prioritise fitness.
What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?
For me, it has been seeing the way that our incredible industry has come together to look out for each other. This isn’t just a job for any of us, and seeing people reach out and support each other has been incredible. We haven’t been beaten yet!
What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis?
A couple of things. Firstly, that it’s alright to have a bad day every now and then; and secondly, that I’m not as great with uncertainty as I thought I was.
What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis?
What works for me when I’m having a tough day is to remember why I joined the travel industry in the first place, and to take some time to be grateful for all of the incredible things this industry has given me. Times are tough right now, but they are going to get better.
Where is your favourite domestic travel destination?
During the pandemic, I have fallen in love with Noosa. The Noosa National Park has to be the most stunning running track in Australia. Combine that with an incredible beach, great restaurants and having everything within walking distance, and you couldn’t ask for more!
What is the one international travel memory keeping you going through this time?
So many to choose from! A number of years ago, I had the most amazing week of my life on a G Adventures sailing trip in the Maldives. Eight days cruising the blue water, snorkelling, visiting local communities, eating locally-caught seafood each night and a enjoying few sunset drinks on board. Pure magic.
Where do you want to travel to once international travel restrictions ease up?
I would love to get out and do something active like one of our trips through the USA’s incredible national parks on a National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures tour. The US has so much to offer with its natural beauty, and there is no better way to do it than with National Geographic Journeys.
