What if your next business travel was an artificial intelligence? After nine months of testing, Otto The Agent is officially launching. Designed as a digital executive assistant, this tool aims to simplify business travel management by anticipating travelers' needs and automating the entire booking process.
Summary
An assistant supported by travel leaders
Otto is backed by recognized players in the sector: Madrona Venture Group, as well as former executives fromOrbitz, Expedia , and Concur. At its helm is Michael Gulmann, former SVP of Product at Expedia and former Chief Marketing Officer at Egencia, who has a deep understanding of the constraints of business travel. He summarizes the project's ambition as follows: "Business travelers deserve more than just a search bar; Otto acts as a true executive assistant, capable of anticipating and resolving unforeseen events and keeping every trip under control."
An autonomous assistant that books, adjusts, and learns
Unlike traditional platforms, Otto doesn't redirect users to third-party websites. All transactions are handled within the interface. Simply say "book it" and it will finalize your entire booking. The AI manages flights, hotels, transfers, and loyalty programs, while learning user preferences to optimize future trips.
Otto connects to Microsoft 365 and Google Calendar to automatically plan trips, adjust schedules around meetings, and integrate with company travel policies. It also leverages the technologies of Spotnana and Booking.com for Business. If needed, the booking can be transferred to a human agent via Direct Travel, an official partner.
A smoother and more predictable business trip
For Steve Singh, founder of Concur and now executive chairman of Spotnana and Otto, "the future of business travel will be personal, predictive, and effortless." The goal is to offer an experience comparable to a high-end concierge service, made accessible through AI.
In practical terms, Otto monitors flight delays, suggests real-time alternatives, optimizes itineraries according to traveler preferences, and takes into account loyalty status and internal constraints. The assistant positions itself as a cornerstone of more efficient business travel, where automation directly improves service quality.
AI designed for businesses and travel managers
Otto primarily targets large companies and travel managers looking to reduce the administrative burden associated with business travel. Two major groups are already testing the tool as part of a pilot program conducted with Direct Travel. The assistant is available via the web, a mobile app, or even email.
With its “zero friction” approach, Otto is redefining the relationship between the traveler, the company, and the agency. By integrating into the existing ecosystem, it is ushering business travel into a new era: that of proactive and intelligent assistance.
Comparison: Business travel management before and after Otto
| Appearance | Before Otto | With Otto The Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation | Manual search across multiple sites | Complete booking via text or voice order |
| Unforeseen circumstances | Manual management of delays and cancellations | Automatic real-time rescheduling |
| Customization | Limited history | Continuous learning and integration into the calendar |
| Assistance | Standard customer service | Proactive AI + Human Support Direct Travel |
| Average booking time | 10 to 20 minutes | Less than a minute |
Key takeaways
- Otto The Agent is an AI designed to automate and simplify business travel.
- The project is backed by major figures in travel tech, including former executives from Expedia, Orbitz and Concur.
- The tool makes complete bookings without redirecting to other sites.
- It learns from user behavior to anticipate needs and risks.
- Otto marks an important step towards smoother and more predictive business travel.
And now ?
For business travel professionals, Otto is opening a new path: that of enhanced business travel, where digital tools become true partners. This is a turning point to watch closely for TMCs, corporate agencies, and travel managers seeking performance and user convenience.
Updates
Article updated on December 5, 2025, following the official announcement relayed by PhocusWire.
Sources
PhocusWire – Otto The Agent
Spotnana
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