Together with executive travel managers and buyers from 17 international corporations, the hospitality company has launched Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC).

The advisory board aims to reimagine the future of corporate travel and meetings for 2025 and beyond. 

GLC connects business leaders responsible for corporate travel with senior executives from Accor.

Council delegates include representatives from financial services, manufacturing, transportation, energy and tech sectors.

“The dynamics of international and corporate travel in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific region are evolving rapidly,” says Antony Meguerdijian, Accor’s senior vice president, sales, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

“It is essential for 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.”

GLC delegates, with a total employee base of more than 2.7 million travellers, agreed the top three priorities for business travel are:

• Traveller experience and wellbeing, including corporate-employee engagement, wellness, traveller security and digital efficiencies.
• Cost management and optimisation, including program compliance, pricing, cost-reduction and cost avoidance.
• Sustainability, including sustainable action, carbon budgets and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).

“Travel and tourism is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by an increased focus on flexibility, sustainability, cost and personalisation,” says Meguerdijian. 

“At Accor, we are committed to not only meeting these needs but anticipating them, ensuring every journey is as enriching and impactful as the destination and travel intent itself.”

Kerry Healy, Accor’s chief commercial officer in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, adds, “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.”