Accor has unveiled the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC), an initiative aimed at reshaping the future of corporate travel and meetings.
The council brings together top-tier executives from 17 leading international corporations – which have a combined employee base of over 2.7 million travellers – to collaborate with Accor leadership on innovative solutions for the evolving business travel landscape.
Comprising representatives from diverse industries including finance, engineering, manufacturing, and technology, the GLC delves into critical issues such as traveller well-being, cost optimisation, and sustainability. The council’s insights will shape Accor’s strategies and product offerings to better serve the needs of corporate clients.
The GLC has since discussed shifting corporate and traveller expectations; the importance of recognition, personalisation and B2B-focused loyalty; the evolving importance of sustainability; emerging traveller trends; the role and impact of distribution and pricing; and a deep-dive on areas of Accor’s business and brands.
Council members have also unanimously agreed the top three priorities for business travel are traveller experience and well-being – including corporate employee engagement, wellness, traveller security and digital efficiencies; cost management and optimisation – including programme compliance, pricing, cost-reduction and cost avoidance; and sustainability including sustainable action, carbon budgets and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).
The dynamics of corporate travel are rapidly changing, demanding new approaches and solutions, said Antony Meguerdijian, senior vice president sales, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific at Accor.
He added: “The new GLC, and the programme of client and commercial partner events we host across the region, are critical forums for sharing insights and collaborating on solutions that meet the changing needs of travellers and delegates. Travel and tourism is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by an increased focus on flexibility, sustainability, cost and personalisation…”
Accor’s commitment to industry leadership is evident through its active participation in key industry events and initiatives. The hospitality company recently hosted a private dinner at the new Banyan Tree in Dubai during the Arabian Travel Market, bringing together 50 industry leaders from top travel firms around the world.
Additionally, Accor also hosted the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) conference at Swissôtel Singapore from May 13-15, 2024, which attracted over 800 top travel buyers from leading companies worldwide. The GBTA board was also hosted for dinner at the Raffles Singapore, where a customer advisory meeting was held to capture key business travel insights.
