Accor, has launched the Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC) to redefine business travel and professional meetings to 2025 and beyond. This advisory council brings together business travel managers and buyers from 17 multinational companies across various sectors, including financial services, engineering, manufacturing, transport, energy, professional services, and technology.
The first session, held in Paris and led by Sophie Hulgard, Accor’s Sales Director, addressed key topics such as changing business and traveler expectations, the importance of personalized B2B loyalty programs, growing interest in sustainability, and trends in travel distribution and pricing. The session also included an in-depth analysis of Sofitel, the host brand for the event.
Council members, representing over 2.7 million travelers, identified three main priorities for business travel:
– Traveler Experience and Well-Being: Emphasizing effective communication between client company employees and Accor, ensuring traveler well-being and safety, and enhancing digital efficiency.
–Â Cost Management and Optimization: Focusing on program compliance, pricing conditions, cost reduction, and fee prevention.
–Â Sustainable Development: Prioritizing sustainable initiatives, reducing CO2 emissions, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
 “The dynamics of business travel are changing rapidly. It is essential that our customers and those in the hospitality sector adapt to new demands and priorities. The GLC is a vital forum to share ideas and collaborate on developing solutions to meet the evolving needs of business travelers and its members. » – Sophie Hulgard, Director of Sales, Accor, and GLC Coordinator
The GLC aims to gather valuable insights to develop strategies that will transform business travel globally. Accor will compile these findings into a comprehensive report to be published later this year.
“Business travel is currently experiencing a profound transformation, due to new demands for flexibility, sustainable development and personalization. Indeed, business travelers today seek more than efficiency and comfort: they favor eco-responsibility, personalized experiences and harmonious integration of technologies. In all its businesses, Accor is committed not only to meeting these needs but also to anticipating them, ensuring that each business trip is as productive as the reason for traveling and as enriching as the destination. » – Karelle Lamouche, General Manager of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division, Accor
This initiative underscores Accor’s commitment to innovating in the hospitality sector and adapting to the evolving needs of business travelers and professionals.
