The Mexico City government has unveiled Xoli, an AI-powered virtual assistant capable of holding conversations in both Spanish and English, whose main objective is to enhance the experience of visitors to the capital.
The tool, developed by city authorities with the support of the federal government, is accessible via any web browser and WhatsApp and aims to simplify access to information in one of the world’s most complex urban centers.
Available now, Xoli operates 24/7 and functions as a digital guide that answers questions about transportation, events, cultural attractions and services in seconds.
“We want every visitor to experience Mexico City in a simple and digital way,” said Ángel Tamariz, director of the capital’s Digital Agency for Public Innovation. “This new tool is an open window to our city and everything it has to offer.”
The chatbot was introduced last week by Mayor Clara Brugada in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins in June, but will remain a permanent option for tourism after the conclusion of the international soccer tournament.
Xoli is depicted as an axolotl, an aquatic salamander endemic to the Lake Xochimilco area that also serves as Mexico City’s symbol.
The newspaper El Economista said the chatbot is “part of an innovative strategy combining immediate attention, accessibility and efficient use of technology” to enhance the experience of visitors to the capital.
The news magazine Wired described Xoli as Mexico’s latest technological innovation aimed at “turning the World Cup into an engine of development.”
Mexico City tourism officials described Xoli as “a new chilango chatbot that will accompany you during your stay.”
“Xoli represents the hospitality that characterizes Mexico City, brought to the digital realm,” said Mexico City Tourism Minister Alejandra Frausto. “The city offers tourists and visitors more than 3,000 activities each day, and this chatbot helps ensure that everything can be experienced in an organized and memorable way.”
The tool — which works with decision trees and is powered by Artificial Intelligence — stands out for its inclusive and accessible approach.
The design of the chatbot does not include complicated menus and is said to allow users to experience a more natural and faster interaction.
How to use Xoli
- Open WhatsApp and text +52 55 6565 9395
- Go to the official website and click on Xoli in the right-hand corner
- Select language: Spanish or English
- Ask open-ended questions or choose categories
- Immediate answers are provided, like in a person-to-person chat
With reports from El Economista, ADN40, Wired and MLQ.ai
