Life in the time of COVID-19 with Holland America Line and Seabourn’s Anastasia Kotanidis

Life in the time of COVID-19 with Holland America Line and Seabourn’s Anastasia Kotanidis

This week, Travel Weekly caught up with Anastasia Kotanidis, who recently scored a new gig at Holland America Line and Seabourn, to find out how she’s been faring since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

What are you reading?

The Wealthy Gardener by John Soforic.

What are you watching?

Call My Agent! and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.

What are you listening to?

Silk Sonic.

What are you cooking?

Kreas kokkinisto – it’s a humble Greek stew, but it’s taken nearly two years of lockdown to master!

How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?

Early morning walks and listening to podcasts have been my ‘me time’ during lockdown here in Melbourne.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?

For me, it’s the significance of kindness – it really does go a long way. Whether it was a phone call from a friend just checking in, to handmade cards and beautiful hampers left at my door, we all tried to make each other smile during this time.

What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis?

I’m a planner, so I have learned to slow down and go with the flow. That was a very difficult concept for me!

What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis?

One of my favourite quotes is: “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” There is no industry like travel – the energy is exhilarating, and no other industry has the same level of passion and commitment, and the people are charged with resilience.

I’m so excited to be back for the restart of travel to work and reconnect with our trade partners here in Victoria and Tasmania.

Where is your favourite domestic travel destination?

Noosa is my all-time favourite. I was very lucky to have enjoyed a family trip just before COVID hit in March 2020.

What is the one international travel memory that’s been keeping you going through this time?

Cruising the Mediterranean, drinking champagne and enjoying the spectacular sunsets of Santorini.

Where do you want to travel now that international travel restrictions are starting to ease up?

The list is very long. First up would be Alaska with Holland America Line – I’ve always wanted to go and they are the Alaskan specialists. Then Hawaii – my kids are obsessed with Moana, and the Disney resort there looks like fun!

Latest News

  • Events

CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner

The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced its 25th Anniversary Dinner that will not only commemorate CATO’s historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. This prestigious event for members will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20 June, […]

  • Conferences

Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau

The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]

  • 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, […]