Tourism Breaking News
Accor together with executive travel managers and buyers from 17 leading international corporations, have launched the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC), an innovative advisory board aimed at reimagining the future of corporate travel and meetings. Established to create a forward-looking vision for business travel and corporate meetings, the GLC connects business leaders responsible for corporate travel across diverse industries with senior executives from Accor. Council delegates include representatives from sectors such as financial services, engineering, manufacturing, transportation, energy, professional services and technology.
The GLC 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.
The Global Leadership Council delegates, who have a combined employee base of over 2.7 million travellers, unanimously agreed the top three priorities for business travel are:
1. Traveler experience and well-being – including corporate employee engagement, wellness, traveller security and digital efficiencies.
2. Cost management and optimization – including program compliance, pricing, cost-reduction and cost avoidance.
3. Sustainability – including sustainable action, carbon budgets and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion)
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.”
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.”
