Accor Launches Global Leadership Council to Shape the Future of Corporate Travel

Accor, a leading global hospitality group, is taking significant steps to redefine corporate travel in the post-pandemic era by establishing the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC).

This new advisory body, formed in collaboration with travel managers from 17 major corporations, aims to address the evolving needs and expectations of business travelers while promoting sustainable practices within the industry.

GLC Highlights:
i) Formation of the Global Leadership Council: The GLC was created to bring together travel industry veterans and Accor’s top executives to discuss and analyze key trends influencing business travel. The council’s inaugural meeting took place in Paris, where members shared insights on the changing dynamics of corporate travel.

ii) Focus on Traveler Experience and Well-Being: One of the primary areas of focus for the GLC is enhancing the traveler experience. This includes prioritizing employee welfare, safety, and leveraging technology to improve travel experiences.

The council recognizes that modern business travelers seek more than just efficiency; they desire personalized experiences that cater to their well-being.

iii) Cost Management and Optimization: The GLC also identified cost management as a critical concern for travel managers. Strategies for driving program compliance, optimizing pricing, and controlling costs were discussed, highlighting the need for effective financial management in corporate travel.

iv) Commitment to Sustainability: Sustainability emerged as a key priority during the discussions. Business travelers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their travel choices, prompting the GLC to emphasize the importance of sustainable practices

v) Anticipating Future Trends: Sophie Hulgard, Accor’s chief sales officer and host of the GLC, emphasized the necessity for the hospitality industry to adapt to rapidly changing corporate travel dynamics. The council serves as a platform for sharing insights and fostering collaborative solutions that align with the evolving demands of business travelers.

vi) Comprehensive Report in 2024: The insights gathered from the GLC meetings will culminate in a comprehensive report set for release in 2024. This report aims to influence the future landscape of global business travel by addressing the key priorities identified by the council.

vii) Industry-Wide Collaboration: The GLC includes representatives from diverse sectors such as finance, engineering, and technology, reflecting a broad spectrum of perspectives on corporate travel. With a combined workforce of over 2.7 million business travelers, the council’s findings are expected to have a significant impact on the industry.

Conclusion:
Accor’s establishment of the Global Leadership Council marks a proactive approach to shaping the future of corporate travel. By focusing on traveler experience, cost management, and sustainability, the council aims to address the evolving needs of modern business travelers.

The insights and recommendations generated by the GLC will play a crucial role in redefining corporate travel and meetings for years to come.