Industry Leaders to Know: Rebecca Day

Next year marks a huge milestone for Rebecca Day, 30 years in the travel industry. “I know, where did the time go?!” she laughs.

I recently caught up with Rebecca as part of our Industry Leaders to Know series, and what struck me most was her clarity: she’s spent three decades in travel, but her enthusiasm hasn’t dimmed for a second. Her story is one of growth, resilience, and genuine passion for the industry.

From Jetset to APAC

Rebecca’s career kicked off when she was just 18, straight after completing her tourism degree. She landed a role at the head office of Jetset Holidays, a move that gave her both industry exposure and inspiration. After four years there, wanderlust called, and she took off to explore the world—eventually landing in the UK.

There, she joined STA Travel, which opened doors to new challenges and opportunities. She held progressive roles with GTA, Octopus, and TravelCube, working her way up from Sales Manager to Country Manager and eventually leading sales and support for all of Europe over a period of 8.5 years. “It was fast-paced, global, and incredibly rewarding,” she reflects.

In 2011, she returned to Australia and took on business development roles with Corporate Traveller, BCD Travel, and then Expedia, where she spent nearly seven years as Business Development Director.

Then came 2022—and a new chapter with Stuba.

Rebecca Day, Head of Sales APAC at Stuba

Leading Across APAC

Rebecca joined Stuba in January 2022 as Head of Sales. What began as a role focused on Australia quickly expanded, first to include New Zealand, and now covering the entire Asia-Pacific region. She currently leads a team of 13 people across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

“Every day is different,” she says. “And I love working with our partners to deliver smart, seamless solutions for travel agents across the region.”

What inspired her to join the industry?

Like many of us, Rebecca’s entry into travel was influenced by someone close. “I was first inspired by a family friend who was a travel agent—she always made it sound like the most exciting job in the world. And honestly, she wasn’t wrong!”

She also had a natural interest in the subject. “I’d always loved tourism and did well in geography at school, so it felt like a natural fit for me.”

But what’s kept her in the game all these years is the evolution of the industry—and the people.

“Travel never stands still, and that constant change keeps it fresh and exciting. I’ve been lucky enough to visit over 40 countries, and I still get that same buzz when I explore a new city or discover a hidden gem. Now, one of the things I love most is seeing that passion spark in my kids too. We’ve shared so many unforgettable adventures together—it’s pretty special knowing that travel is shaping their memories just like it has mine.”

Most Memorable Trips?

When I asked her to name a standout trip, it wasn’t an easy question.

“There have been so many unforgettable trips! But if I had to choose, Egypt, Morocco, and Italy really stand out. Each was special for different reasons. What makes these trips so memorable isn’t just the places themselves, but the people I’ve shared them with and the memories we created. That’s the magic of travel—it’s not just where you go, it’s how it makes you feel.”

The Future: AI and Automation

Looking ahead to 2025, Rebecca is clear on where she thinks travel agents should focus: embracing AI and automation.

“It’s transforming the way we work—making it faster, smarter, and more personalised. At Stuba, we’re already embracing this by using AI to enhance our search functionality, so agents can find the most relevant properties quicker than ever with our curations.”

She explains how their technology evolves with use: “Our algorithms mean the more agents use the site, the more it will work for them—recommending hotels and making them experts in destinations they may not be overly familiar with.”

Her message is clear: “As the industry evolves, those who adopt and adapt to AI-driven tools will stay ahead of the curve. It allows agents to focus less on admin and more on what really matters: building relationships, delivering standout service, and creating unforgettable travel experiences. At Stuba, we’re making sure these tools work for you—not the other way around.”

A Fun Fact

One last surprise? Rebecca used to be a professional ballroom dancer.

“After work, I’d swap my business shoes for dance shoes and teach students of all ages and abilities—everything from wedding dances to medal examinations and competition routines.”

It might seem like a world apart from the travel industry, but she sees a common thread: “It wasn’t quite Olympic level (sadly!), but it was all about precision, passion, and a whole lot of sequins.”

Why We’re Celebrating Leaders Like Rebecca

At TADA 25, we’re all about showcasing the people behind the bookings, strategies, and success stories. Rebecca Day represents everything we admire: dedication, leadership, and a genuine love for this industry.

Her journey reminds us that careers in travel aren’t just about where we go, they’re about how far we grow.