On its 3rd edition in Doha, the competition gathered 27 candidates representing just as many Hotels in Qatar, with the finalists being tested by an exigent jury.
Doha, Qatar – James Wilson, GM of Centara Grand Hotel Doha, opening mid-2018, was be part of the jury of the prestigious Receptionist of the Year competition organized by AICR in Qatar – The International Association for Deputy Managers and Front Office Managers of Luxury Hotels.
On its 3rd edition in Doha, the competition gathered 27 candidates representing just as many Hotels in Qatar, with the finalists being tested by an exigent jury, formed of hospitality seniors of local hotels, Qatar Tourism Authority and Stenden University.
Wilson has highlighted the importance of talent development in the industry as well as hosting and attending such prestigious professional events, which add up the ultimate recognition for Front Office receptionists and excellent networking and learning opportunities. “While we are preparing for the opening of the first Centara Grand in Middle East, a luxury Thai brand, we are inspired by our community and team, mainly in the same age group as the travel influencers of today. Transformative travel is our industry’s direction and our priority for the opening is to position our product as authentic and warm Thai service embracing the local Qatari culture. Such events help us stay in touch with the marketplace expectations” said Wilson.
AICR Coordinator of the competition and Front Office Manager of Centara Grand Hotel Doha, Moamen Abdel Aziz highlighted the expanding interest among hoteliers who doubled their number for this year’s edition. As ROTY Coordinator he has prepared very through questions and role play tests for the 7 finalists hosted at Oryx Rotana. The winner of the 2017 Competition is Ms. Pamel Munzara of Hilton Doha Hotel. She carries the honor of representing Qatar hospitality in the following year’s International Competition in Zurich from Jan 31st to Feb 04th, 2018. Accommodation and flight tickets are covered by the AICR Qatar.
QTA, a supporter of the AICR Qatar chapter has announced during the Award Ceremony their intention to bid and host the international edition of the AICR ROTY congress on 2021.
Mr. Ali Al Mohannadi, Head of Tourism Licensing at QTA and Mr. Khalil Al Hawasi, Head of Tourism Control Section at QTA also see the competition as a positive step ahead for upgrading the quality of service delivery in hotel establishments, in line with the vision of Qatar to become the regional attraction and hub for the international leisure and business travelers.
Photo caption: Centara Grand Hotel Doha lobby
Angelos is the news editor for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). His role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. He currently studies Communication, Media & Culture in Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens.
