Hospitality giant Accor has joined forces with travel managers from 17 leading corporations to establish the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC).
This advisory body aims to redefine corporate travel and meetings for the post-pandemic era.
The GLC brings together travel industry veterans representing diverse sectors such as finance, engineering and technology with Accor's senior leadership.
The first meeting, held in Paris, focused on key trends shaping business travel.
Discussions covered evolving traveller expectations, the growing importance of personalisation and loyalty programmes, and the integration of sustainability practices.
Travel managers, representing a combined workforce of more than 2.7 million business travellers, identified three key priorities:
- Traveller experience and well-being: this includes a focus on employee well-being, security and leveraging technology to enhance the travel experience.
- Cost management and optimisation: driving programme compliance, optimising pricing and cost control strategies are top concerns for travel managers.
- Sustainability: business travellers are increasingly prioritising environmentally friendly practices and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“The dynamics of corporate travel are evolving rapidly. It is essential for both our clients and hospitality businesses to adapt to new demands and priorities,” said Sophie Hulgard, chief sales officer at Accor and host of the GLC.
“The GLC is a critical forum for sharing insights and collaborating on solutions that meet the changing needs of business travellers and delegates.”
The GLC's insights will be compiled into a report in 2024, to shape the future of business travel on a global scale.
"Today's business travellers seek more than just efficiency and comfort; they prioritise sustainability, personalised experiences and seamless technology integration,” said Karelle Lamouche, chief commercial officer, premium, midscale and economy division for Accor, in a statement.
“Throughout our business, Accor is 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."
