Hilton Introduces AI Customer Service Chatbot as Part of New Move in Digital Strategy

Shanghai, China - Hilton today announced the result of a month-long competition for the design of its new AI chatbot cartoon character - part of a bid to give "life" to its newly launched AI customer service chatbot with a personable animated avatar. Change Chen from DoubleTree by Hilton Shiyan took the top prize, while Issa Li from Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund and Vicky Li from Hilton Chengdu took second and third place, respectively. The competition, which was open to all guests and Hilton Team Members, drew extensive attention from the industry, with about 60 percent of designs submitted by Hilton guests.

Change Chen, who excels at graphic design and enjoys painting, said excitedly, "I wanted to interpret Hilton's warm hospitality with a simple, charming character. I hope that 'Xiao Xi', who is passionate about life and travel, can provide our guests and friends with cheer and support as an indispensable travelling companion."

Wendy Huang, Senior Vice President and Commercial Director, Hilton Greater China & Mongolia, said, "Digital innovation serves as one of our five key strategies in China. Being the first global hospitality company to introduce an AI customer service chatbot to China is a clear sign that we are committed to our guests and the market. In the post-pandemic era, guests increasingly rely on online services and resources to choose travel destinations and products so that they can have better offline experiences. Consumers are more inclined to trust authoritative information from enterprise-owned digital platforms, and Xiao Xi has been given life at this time to address such demands while providing our guests with a smooth online experience while traveling."

Born on February 19, 2020, Xiao Xi, Hilton's first AI customer service chatbot, provides Hilton Honors members and all guests with a quick and convenient one-stop source for travel advisory services. Honors members and guests can ask Xiao Xi various travel-related questions such as hotel information, local weather, Hilton Honors checking and promotion details. Xiao Xi is able to provide additional advice on travel and will even entertain guests throughout their journeys by continuously offering smart suggestions and tips through intensive trainings.

Since its launch in February, Xiao Xi has replied to more than 50,000 customer inquiries, with a 94 percent customer satisfaction rating, which far surpasses the average performance for a general AI chatbot. At present, Xiao Xi is available 24/7 via Hilton China mobile apps - including iOS, Android, and the WeChat Mini Program.

As it pursues its digital innovation strategy, Hilton has remained dedicated to creating exceptional online experiences for guests. To meet their ever-evolving and diverse demands, Hilton has been exploring different channels and platforms that can provide guests with a flawless online experience. Hilton began working with major OTA platforms in China to offer additional online customer services in 2017; launched the Chinese Hilton Honors app in 2018; and opened the Hilton corporate flagship store on Fliggy in 2019. The introduction of Xiao Xi now provides an additional online platform to provide exceptional services to guests.

About Hilton

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising more than 7,500 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 180 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.