According to company executives, “Neo is a truly unified booking and expense platform, for a faster, more efficient way to manage trips, end-to-end.” Since 2013, the OBT has been known for its unique door-to-door trip builder and algorithms for proactive suggestions based on booking history, which have undergone many enhancements since they were introduced. Neo is an integral part of GBT’s core technology stack, and the provider promoted Neo’s seamless, multi-channel booking experience between mobile, desktop and travel counselors. It also provides a flexible environment for travel managers to apply best-in-class travel policies.

“As the world returns to travel, it is with a renewed commitment to protect the climate,” Neo execs told BTN in response to a survey question about the tool’s best innovation going into 2022. They called out Neo’s “suite of award-winning sustainability features,” which include display of and filtering by CO2 data for flights and trains, client-specific green hotel badges and flagging and filtering for hybrid/electric cars. “GBT plans to continue prioritizing sustainability developments for Neo in 2022,” they said. 

Air: Neo connects with Sabre, Amadeus and Travelport global distribution system partners as well as Travelfusion for low-cost carrier aggregation, plus a direct link for Air Canada. Online modification, cancellation and exchange are available for Sabre and Amadeus, with expansion of this capability for Travelport in development. In some countries, Neo can remind users of unused airline credit and display the credit value during the booking process.

Accommodation: Neo sources accommodations content from GDS partners, Expedia, and Booking.com. GBT’s Supply Market Place consolidates this content for booking through Neo and offers users a complete range of accommodations including GBT Preferred Extras rates. 

Rail: Neo EU train content covers Germany (DB), France (SNCF), Belgium (SNCB), Spain (Renfe), Finland, U.K. (Trainline), Sweden, Holland (NS), and Luxembourg (CFL). Users can also book tickets onEurostar and Thalys. Neo plans to develop cross-border booking capabilities. In North America, Neo offers Amtrak and ViaRail. Neo users can now book specific train seats with SNCF and soon with Renfe

Car: Neo supports booking car services, taxi and other ground transportation options as part of its booking process. Car rental content is obtained through supported GDS partners and the Res@Car direct link. Neo provides access to hybrid and/or electric vehicles where available with specific ability to filter and sort on these types to ensure access to lower-carbon vehicles.

NDC & Direct Connect: Neo was the first OBT to receive GDS-enabled, surcharge-free NDC content from American Airlines and the Lufthansa Group (including Light Fares) in Germany for integrated client servicing, reporting and support. GBT technology and point-of-sale capabilities provide efficient platforms for large scale distribution of GDS-enabled NDC content and seamless integration with GBT client servicing tools. In 2022, GBT plans to accelerate NDC content deployment from more airlines across multiple countries.