American Express Business Travel announced a virtual meetings tool that alerts travelers at the point of sale of telepresence options.

Based on price, purpose, trip duration, environmental impact and other criteria, the automated solution will inform travelers in online booking channels and travel counselors of the availability of trip alternatives, including remote conferencing offered by "public telepresence facilities and the private network a company may already have in place." Amex said it is "working with multiple third parties to arrange for access to telepresence and virtual meeting inventory," and filed a patent to cover the technology.