End-of-Year Wrap-Up: A Conversation with Askin Erkec, National Leader

Many of our clients have faced significant disruption within their own industries. That level of uncertainty can be unsettling. Knowing they can trust us to look after their travel, without needing to be involved in every detail, is comforting. We protect their time and give them one less thing to worry about. 

Trust became the cornerstone of business travel this year because uncertainty was everywhere: volatile pricing, shifting supplier agreements and changing traveller expectations. Clients needed more than transactions; they needed confidence that someone genuinely had their back.

That’s why FCBT launched the Trusted by Business Travellers campaign, backed by our 4.6-star Trustpilot rating and featuring real customers. It wasn’t just a message, it was proof. By sharing authentic stories, we reinforced that trust isn’t built by technology alone but through human relationships, transparency and consistent delivery. The impact was clear: stronger loyalty, deeper partnerships and a renewed sense of certainty in a fast-changing industry.

In 2025, the role of a Travel Manager evolved from booking coordinator to strategic partner. They now manage far more than itineraries: risk, traveller wellbeing, sustainability goals and cost optimisation all happen in real time.  
 
The human element is what makes this so important. Clients need someone who understands their business, anticipates challenges and can make good judgement calls when plans change. Technology supports the process, but it is people-led expertise that builds trust and keeps travel programs resilient in a constantly changing world. 

What I’m most proud of this year is how our people showed up for customers. They stayed flexible, solved challenges in real time and kept travellers moving safely and confidently. That human connection is what sets us apart. Our people build trust and resilience, and seeing that play out across our customers and the business is what makes me proud.

We also have many clients who have partnered with us for more than a decade and actively refer others. That kind of loyalty is the ultimate proof of trust and value. In an industry where change is constant, it shows we’ve consistently delivered what matters most: reliability, expertise and genuine partnership. We’re not just a service provider; we’re an extension of their business, riding the highs and lows with them. Their referrals say it all. They trust us enough to put their own reputation on the line, and that reflects the strength of our people-led approach and the relationships we’ve built over time. 

Our people, and the customers who trust them, are our superpower. 

SMEs and corporate clients want more than transactions; they’re looking for partnership and flexibility. We’re seeing a clear shift toward personalised service, proactive problem-solving and strategic support across cost control, sustainability and traveller wellbeing. Clients value having a trusted team that understands their goals and can navigate complexity in real time. They want a travel partner who feels like part of their business - someone who adapts quickly, knows the industry inside out and delivers confidence when plans change.

In a world obsessed with automation and productivity, technology will continue to grow - but at what cost?

We’re in the business of people, and we happen to sell travel. Genuine connection and care will matter more than ever. Having someone who truly knows you, especially in moments of need, is going to be invaluable.

Travel is complex. Human needs are simple.

Exciting. 

Change is happening faster than ever, and within our culture, change is expected. It creates opportunities to evolve and serve better. Change will happen regardless: what matters is knowing what shouldn’t change. We are more than a travel partner for our clients. We are involved in the strategic success of their business, because their success is our success.