SHANGHAI - Hilton Worldwide announced Hilton HHonors, the guest-loyalty program for the company's 10 distinct hotel brands, as the official hotel sponsor of the Chinese Olympic Committee through 2019. The partnership marks the first time a multinational hotel company has supported the organization and provides Hilton Worldwide distinction as one of only two multinational sponsors for Team China.

"We are honored to have Hilton Worldwide's loyalty program as our official hotel sponsor of the Chinese Olympic Committee," said Mr. Yang Shuan, Vice President, Chinese Olympic Committee. "The level of competitive sports in China has reached a new height, and having a partner like Hilton Worldwide will help foster athlete development and further promote the Olympic Movement."

Hilton Worldwide's involvement with the Chinese Olympic Committee will not only include resources, but also its renowned hospitality. The company will welcome athletes, fans and Chinese Olympic Committee members at each of its hotels throughout China, all of which will have the chance to support the partnership in unique and engaging ways. Specifically, Hilton HHonors will provide financial support, Hilton HHonors points, renovations at athlete training sites, hospitality services for athletes and their families at the China House during each of the Olympic Games, and discounted hotel accommodations for athletes and their families. Additionally, Chinese Olympic Committee members and Olympic athletes will be given Hilton HHonors Gold Elite membership.

"We are honored to partner with the Chinese Olympic Committee and become the first multinational hotel company to sponsor Team China," said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton Worldwide. "Our eight year sponsorship of the Chinese Olympic Committee underscores our commitment to the people of China, and the Olympic Movement, and gives our guests an opportunity to enjoy the Games wherever they are in the world."

The Chinese Olympic Committee and Hilton Worldwide officially announced its partnership with a Signing Ceremony attended by Chinese Olympic Committee members, Team China Olympic athletes, Hilton Worldwide senior executives, and other distinguished guests.

Hosted at the iconic Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, Olympic Gold Medalists Yang Yang and Tao Luna were joined by athletes from the Trampoline Gymnastics and Fencing teams to answer questions. Further promoting the Olympic spirit, while commencing "target practice" inside the hotel's Shanghai Club Ballroom, an archer's shot landed a bulls-eye and ignited a series of paper fireworks. This not only created excitement amongst the crowd, but officially ushered in the partnership with a bang.

"Hilton Worldwide is proud to support the Chinese Olympic Committee and its athletes as they aspire to compete and achieve personal success on the world stage," said Paul Brown, president, brands and commercial services, Hilton Worldwide. "For our guests and team members, this partnership is a source of pride and an exciting opportunity to keep them inspired, connected and close to the Olympic Spirit and Olympic Games."

Contact:
Scott Carman
Hilton Worldwide
+1 (703) 883-5803
scott.carman@hilton.com

About Chinese Olympic Committee
The Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) is a non-governmental, non-profit national sports organization of a mass character, with the objective of developing sports and promoting the Olympic Movement in the country. It represents China in handling international affairs related to the Olympic Movement. It is the sole representative of the whole country's Olympic Movement in its relations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and other international sports organizations, as well as all National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

The first Chinese sports organization was founded as early as October 1910, and recognized by the IOC in 1922. In May 1954, not long after the founding of the People's Republic of China, the IOC recognized the All-China Sports Federation (Chinese Olympic Committee) at the 49th IOC Session held in Athens. In 1956, however, the IOC allowed the Taiwan authorities to send a team to the 16th Olympic Games. The All-China Sports Federation protested against the "two Chinas" plot fabricated by the IOC leader. In August 1958, the COC severed all its relations with the IOC. It was not until November 26, 1979 that, with a resolution adopted by all IOC members, the COC's legal status was reinstated in the IOC, while the Olympic Committee in Taipei was allowed to remain in the IOC under the name of "the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee."

About Hilton HHonors
Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct hotel brands, offers its 34 million members more ways to earn and redeem points than any other guest-loyalty program, enabling them to create experiences worth sharing at more than 3,900 hotels in 90 countries and territories. HHonors members can now redeem points for any room, anywhere, anytime, including the most luxurious suites, using any of four room rewards: Premium Room Rewards, Room Upgrade Rewards, Points & Money Rewards and Standard Room Rewards. In addition, HHonors members can use points to purchase unique experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, make charitable contributions and more. HHonors is also the only guest-loyalty program to offer ‘No Blackout Dates’ and ‘Points & Miles’ for the same stay at its properties worldwide, including participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels& Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. Membership in HHonors is free, and travelers may enroll online by visiting www.HiltonHHonors.com or connect with Hilton HHonors at news.hiltonhhonors.com.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.