Accor has established a Global Leadership Council (GLC) to drive innovation in business travel. The council’s first session, held in Paris and led by Sophie Hulgard, Accor’s Sales Director, addressed key issues such as evolving business and traveler expectations, the need for personalized B2B loyalty programs, increasing interest in sustainability, and trends in travel distribution and pricing. An in-depth analysis of Sofitel, the host brand for the event, was also included.
Representing over 2.7 million travelers, the council identified three main priorities for business travel:
Traveler Experience and Well-Being: Enhancing communication between client company employees and Accor, ensuring traveler well-being and safety, and improving digital efficiency.
Cost Management and Optimization: Emphasizing program compliance, pricing conditions, cost reduction, and fee prevention.
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,” said 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 plans to compile these findings into a comprehensive report to be published later this year.
“Business travel is currently experiencing a profound transformation, driven by new demands for flexibility, sustainable development, and personalization. Business travelers today seek more than efficiency and comfort; they favor eco-responsibility, personalized experiences, and harmonious integration of technologies. Accor is committed to not only meeting these needs but also anticipating them, ensuring each business trip is as productive as the reason for traveling and as enriching as the destination,” said Karelle Lamouche, General Manager of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division, Accor.
This initiative underscores Accor’s commitment to innovation in the hospitality sector and its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of business travelers.