Rebecca Duncan, Business Development Manager at easyJet and Winner of the ITM CEO Award 2025 at our Spring Conference INSPIRE.

1. What did winning this award mean to you, both personally and professionally?
I have worked in aviation for 24 years, but I have been active in the business travel industry for the last 10 years. This award means so much to me, as I was genuinely surprised that my contributions and efforts had been noticed. I feel very fortunate to do a job I love and to interact with so many great people across the buyer and supplier community. Professionally, I think it’s a real badge of honour. Personally, it’s given me reassurance that I am getting things right. Business travel isn’t a 9–5 world, so sacrifices are made at home, and this recognition feels like validation that my best efforts are being acknowledged.
 

2. What drives your continued commitment and involvement in the business travel community?
Throughout my career, I’ve sometimes amazed myself that I’ve never lost my enthusiasm. I thrive when given the opportunity to explore new ideas and make bold suggestions. I have over 20 years’ experience in events, travel, customer management, leading teams, product development, and more – and I want to share what I’ve learned. I’m always putting my hand up to help.
 

3. What’s one key lesson you’ve learned from being part of the business travel community that you’d like to share with others?
You must be credible and transparent. I say it how it is, and customers appreciate honesty. Above all, you must be present.
 

4. What do you think is the biggest challenge currently facing the business travel sector, and how can the travel community come together to overcome it?
The biggest challenge facing us is sustainability. Investment in decarbonisation will ultimately drive up prices, at a time when cost pressure is already a top concern for the industry. The sector will need to recognise and demonstrate the value of in-person interaction and choose suppliers that can maximise return on investment through stringent cost control – making sustainable, low-cost business travel achievable.
 

5. If you could take an all-expenses-paid trip to any destination right now, where would you go, and why?
There are so many places I’ve yet to explore, but right now, I’d be very happy to find myself at a waterfront villa in Lake Como. Waving at George 😉.