Midweek Interview – Ingrid Kocijan, Manager Australasia, Rail Europe

Midweek Interview – Ingrid Kocijan, Manager Australasia, Rail Europe

The challenge for the industry is keeping up with the speed of change and adapting to what consumers want and need from us.

The things I like about my job is how varied my day can be and of course just generally being responsible for promoting European rail travel in this market. There’s no better way to travel around Europe (in my very humble opinion of course).

And the frustrations are that you can’t control world events.

If I didn’t work in travel I would probably be working overseas somewhere.

Favourite airline? Tough question! I’m going to go for domestic travel here and say Qantas. There are too many amazing airlines internationally to choose one.

My proudest moment was being self sufficient enough to complete a year of travelling the world without a single day of working.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was hitchhike home when I got lost as a 10 year old. Probably also the stupidest thing I ever did and it took me another 10 years before I got the courage to fess up to my parents.

I try to relax by walking. I love to walk to work in the mornings. It relaxes me before a busy day.

The last time I feared for my life was cycling down death road in Bolivia.

If I can, I always try to avoid spiders.

I really wish I had the power to stop terrorism.

The best advice I’ve ever received was take every opportunity you’re given.

I don’t understand why people can’t all get along.

My greatest weakness is needing to organise everything.

And my greatest strength is organising everything.

If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would give a large portion to the charity my sister works for in Guatemala.

If I were prime minister I would plan for high-speed trains around the country.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be an Olympian. Doesn’t matter which sport I just think it would be an amazing experience and one I’d never have otherwise. Plus I’m competitive.

I’ve always wanted to travel to Russia. Trans-Siberian Railway is next on my list.

My favourite holiday was travelling the world for a year. A few of the most amazing destinations during that trip were Romania, Switzerland, Iceland & Mexico.

Latest News

  • Products

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, […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

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 […]

  • Aviation

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 […]

  • Hotels

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 […]

  • Luxury
  • News

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 […]