'Concierge of the Year' marks fifth anniversary

The recognition scheme, initiated to help improve service standards in the emirate's booming hospitality industry, will this year see the title winner awarded a scholarship for the six-month, part-time Diploma in Travel & Tourism from Cambridge University in conjunction with the DTCM.

"Concierge of the Year has been highly productive and enjoys great support among Dubai's concierge community which eagerly awaits it every year," said Victoria Smith, Group Marketing Director, Wafi City.

"We wanted to make it even more worthwhile for the 2006 title winner, who also stands to win an additional Dhs 1000 each month for a year. oncierge of the Year is a highly educational as well as motivational scheme and this scholarship adds to its career-building appeal."

Concierge of the Year 2006 will feature 35 five-star properties in Dubai, competing for the Best Concierge and Best Concierge Team titles among others. The winning team will receive a cash prize of Dhs 20,000.

"Dubai is the regional frontrunner in tourism initiatives, and this scheme is a great way of ensuring that visitors to the emirate get a warm, friendly and professional welcome," said Ibrahim Yaqoot Salmin, Human Resources Manager, DTCM.

"Overall, the initiative has made an extremely positive impact on the concierge community in Dubai and reflects our commitment towards the city's fast-expanding hospitality industry."

As part of the evaluation, mystery guests will visit participating hotels from now until September and grade concierges on the service quality they provide.

At the end of the evaluation all concierge teams will be invited to participate in a quiz which will test their general awareness and knowledge of Dubai and its various attractions. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview with the DTCM's Training Solutions team, which will help determine the final winner.

"The competition for this prestigious title is already very intense and news of the scholarship lifts the bar even further," said 2005 title winner, Mitchel Fernandes of the Fairmont Dubai.

"This will definitely benefit and help advance a concierge's career in this highly competitive market."

Other categories range from Most Friendly Concierge to Best Customer Care, Best Knowledge of Attractions & Events, Best knowledge of Culture and Heritage and Best Knowledge of Shopping in Dubai.

Concierge of the Year is supported by Concierge magazine and sponsored by Castaway Cards, Big Bus Company and Strellson at Wafi Mall.

Winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner on October 30th, to be held at the Sphinx restaurant at Wafi City.