Accor is positioning itself to be at the forefront of an evolving travel industry through the establishment of a new global advisory board comprised of key industry executives.
The Accor Global Leadership Council (GLC) connects Accor senior executives with travel managers and buyers from 17 leading international corporations – with a combined employee base of over 2.7 million travellers – to create a forward-looking vision for business travel and corporate meetings.
The board will pool the knowledge and expertise of business leaders responsible for corporate travel across diverse industries such as financial services, engineering, manufacturing, transportation, energy, professional services and technology to improve outcomes for amid a changing travel landscape.
Accor SVP Sales, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Antony Meguerdijian, said it is essential for Accor’s clients and hospitality businesses to adapt to new demands and priorities amid a rapidly evolving international and corporate travel market in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific region.
“Travel and tourism is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by an increased focus on flexibility, sustainability, cost and personalisation,” said Meguerdijian.
“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.”
The GLC has undertaken a number of client and commercial partner events across the region, serving as “critical forums for sharing insights and collaborating on solutions that meet the changing needs of travellers and delegates”, according to Meguerdijian.
The GLC’s top priorities for business travel are traveller experience and well-being – including corporate employee engagement, traveller security and digital efficiencies; cost management and optimisation – covering program compliance, pricing, cost-reduction and cost avoidance; and sustainability – including carbon budgets and diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Group recently hosted a private dinner at the new Banyan Tree in Dubai during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) event, bringing together 50 industry leaders from top travel firms around the world.
In May, Accor hosted the prestigious Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) conference at Swissôtel Singapore, drawing over 800 top travel buyers from leading companies worldwide, and during the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), Accor hosted Gayte, a celebration of the LGBTQI travel community in Australia.
Accor’s expansion of the “All Thanks To You” appreciation weeks – recognising Accor’s diverse global clientele – to major cities across the MEA APAC region has also provided a forum to connect.
“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,” said Accor Chief Commercial Officer for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, Kerry Healy.
“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.”