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Accor has established the Global Leadership Council to innovate and steer the future of corporate travel.

Accor, a leading international hospitality company, in collaboration with top corporate travel managers and purchasers from 17 global enterprises, has initiated the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC). This pioneering advisory board is focused on reshaping the landscape of business travel and conferences. The GLC is designed to develop a progressive outlook for corporate travel and meetings, connecting key business figures in charge of travel from various sectors with top executives at Accor. Participants come from industries like financial services, engineering, manufacturing, transport, energy, professional services, and technology.

The discussions at the GLC centered on changing corporate and traveler expectations, the significance of recognition, customization, and business-to-business loyalty, the increasing focus on sustainability, new trends among travelers, the influence of distribution and pricing strategies, and an in-depth analysis of Accor’s operations and brand portfolio.

On the 29th of July 2024, the GLC members, who represent a workforce of over 2.7 million travelers, collectively identified the three main objectives for enhancing business travel:

1. Traveler experience and well-being – emphasizing employee involvement, health, security for travelers, and digital efficiencies.
2. Cost management and optimization – focusing on adherence to travel policies, pricing strategies, cost reduction, and avoidance.
3. Sustainability – targeting sustainable practices, carbon management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Antony Meguerdijian, SVP Sales, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific at Accor said: “The  dynamics of international and corporate travel in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific  region are evolving rapidly. It is essential for both our clients and hospitality businesses to  adapt to new demands and priorities. The new GLC, and the program 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. At Accor, we are committed to not only  meeting these needs but also anticipating them, ensuring that every journey is as enriching  and impactful as the destination and travel intent itself.” 

Accor, a pioneer in both the leisure and business travel sectors, has been a prominent participant in major events across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. The company recently orchestrated an exclusive dinner at Dubai’s new Banyan Tree during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), where 50 top executives from leading global travel companies convened.

Moreover, Accor showcased its business travel acumen by organizing the esteemed Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) conference at the Swissôtel Singapore from May 13-15. This key event drew over 800 prominent travel purchasers from top international firms. Additionally, Accor hosted the GBTA board for a dinner at the iconic Raffles Singapore, coupled with a customer advisory session to glean vital business travel insights, further solidifying its stature as a sector leader.

Accor’s commitment to inclusivity was also highlighted at the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), where it hosted GAYTE – an event celebrating the LGBTQI travel community in Australia, illustrating Accor’s dedication to nurturing inclusiveness and broadening travel opportunities for diverse groups.

The company has enhanced its partner engagements through the “ALL THANKS TO YOU” appreciation weeks, spanning continents from Africa to Australia. Events have taken place in cities like Riyadh, Dubai, Istanbul, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Tokyo, with upcoming gatherings in Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, and Abidjan. This initiative underscores Accor’s commitment to acknowledging and celebrating its varied global customer base.

Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer for Accor in the Middle East, Africa and Asia  Pacific, added: “Our recent events in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific underscore  Accor’s unwavering commitment to fostering strong relationships with our partners and  communities. These gatherings, along with the expansion of our ‘ALL THANKS TO YOU’  customer appreciation weeks, demonstrate our continuous efforts to connect with and  celebrate the millions of guests we welcome both locally and globally. In Middle East, Africa,  and Asia Pacific, we are honoured to support some of the fastest growing and most ambitious  countries in prioritising their tourism economies. We play a crucial role in fostering their  growth ambitions and serving the travellers they represent. We are proud to be at the  forefront of industry innovation, driving meaningful conversations and initiatives that open  new horizons for travel.”