In an impressive move to bolster accessibility within the travel sector, Hilton has partnered with Be My Eyes, an innovative platform designed to provide visual assistance through cutting-edge AI technology coupled with real-time support from volunteers. This collaboration marks a noteworthy advancement in hospitality, specifically aimed at improving the travel experience for blind and low-vision individuals in the United States and Canada.
The unique aspect of this partnership lies in its dual approach. Be My Eyes users can leverage the power of AI to receive instant support while also having the option to connect with sighted volunteers in real time. This cooperative model ensures that guests receive helpful responses to a diverse range of inquiries during their stay at Hilton hotels, thus actively promoting autonomy and independence for individuals with visual impairments.
Guests staying at Hilton properties can now access personalized assistance via the Be My Eyes app. By navigating to the “Service Directory” within the app and selecting the “Hotels” category, users can easily find participating Hilton brands, including marquee names like Waldorf Astoria and DoubleTree by Hilton. The trained customer care teams are on standby to assist with a variety of in-room tasks, such as adjusting lighting and thermostats, operating appliances, or identifying amenities and services offered on-site.
This focus on providing extensive support not only enhances the guest experience but also emphasizes Hilton’s commitment to inclusivity, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by visually impaired travelers. The services offered extend beyond mere convenience; they promote equality by ensuring that this demographic enjoys a travel experience comparable to that of sighted guests.
The collaboration is a significant escalation of Hilton’s previous efforts with Be My Eyes that commenced in 2023. Initial steps involved training the AI model to better identify and categorize hotel room features, allowing for smoother interactions. The subsequent establishment of a specialized team of customer care agents equipped to assist users signifies Hilton’s dedication to furthering accessibility initiatives within the hospitality industry.
Mike Buckley, CEO of Be My Eyes, aptly articulated this sentiment: “Our mission at Be My Eyes is to break down accessibility barriers in everyday life.” This partnership not only echoes this mission but also sets a precedent for how travel companies can enhance their services to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Since its inception in 2015, Be My Eyes has attracted a community of over 700,000 users globally, showcasing a profound demand for inclusive service solutions. Hilton’s proactive measures in collaboration with this platform illustrate a pivotal transition within the travel industry towards making it more accessible. It also emphasizes the growing necessity for companies to integrate inclusive practices into their service offerings, ultimately paving the way for a more diverse travel landscape.
The partnership between Hilton and Be My Eyes is not just a technological advancement but a cultural shift within the hospitality sector that prioritizes accessibility, aiming to dismantle long-standing barriers. By focusing on inclusivity, this collaboration heralds new standards for how travelers with visual impairments can navigate the world with confidence, ensuring that luxury travel is a possibility for everyone.
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