…
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) awarded Joseph David of The Palace Hotel – Old Town, Burj Dubai as the Concierge of the Year 2008, at the Gala Dinner on the Roof Top Gardens at Wafi on the 28th October, whilst InterContinental Hotel Festival City won the Best Concierge Team 2008 overall.
Over 70,000dhs was awarded in prize money plus specially designed trophies and certificates presented by Mr. Ibrahim Yaqoot, Executive Director for Training Solutions for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing who earlier said “This year we noticed a higher level of competency among the hotels for the title, which is a good sign of improvement in the tourist and hospitality industry in Dubai”. The award was given in affiliation with Wafi Group of Companies and the sponsors, Concierge Magazine and the Big Bus Company.
Joseph won the title and received a total of 15,000dhs as a cash reward and a trip to attend the UICH Conference March 2009 at Hangzhou in China courtesy of the DTCM, plus a trophy with a certificate. The Palace Hotel participated for the first time but the excellent standard of his service was highlighted in the Mystery Shopping reports.
InterContinental Hotel Festival City won Concierge Team of the Year and received 24,000dhs in cash, plus a trophy. Some of the other awards given that night were Outstanding Knowledge of Culture & Heritage Award to Chico Martinez from Mina A’Salam Hotel , the First Class Customer Care to Shiva Shresta from Grosvenor House Hotel, Outstanding Knowledge of Shopping Award to Pradiastha Andika from Ritz Carlton Dubai, Outstanding Knowledge of Attractions & Events Award to Burj Al Arab’s Jameel Al Theeb, Head Concierge of the Year to Christopher Hewitt from Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah and Special Judges Award which went to Hyatt Regency Dubai.
The Concierge of the Year Awards 2008 were presented following 6 months of research by mystery guests, who visited all 38 properties a minimum of four times each and allocated points for various skills and attitudes. All of the awards were allocated on the basis of the results from the mystery shopper reports, the results of a two day quiz and individual presentations by all participating hotels.
The event was also attended by Virginia Casale, Secretary General for UICH from Montreal, Canada and the President of Le Clef’s D’Or for the Philippines, who were guests of DTCM to review the standard of concierge service in Dubai.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
