Indonesian - Erwin Rachim - wins Dubai Concierge of the Year 2006

Erwin Rachim of Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah was declared 2006 Concierge of the Year, whilst The Fairmont Dubai won the overall Best Team Award. The competition was stiff as they were competing against all the other five star hotels in Dubai.

The Concierge of the Year awards, initiated and sponsored by Wafi City are held in conjunction with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Government of Dubai.

Winning the individual title topped a great year for Erwin, who also won Al Qasr’s Employee of the Year Award for 2006 and has been recently promoted to Concierge Team Leader.

“I have been with the hotel since it opened two years ago and I am really thrilled about this win,” said Erwin Rachim, who had entered the competition for the second time.

Erwin, originally from Indonesia, won the title and will receive a total of Dhs12,000 as a cash reward from Wafi City, a suit sponsored by Strellson Menswear, plus a Cambridge University scholarship of his choice, for a six-month part-time course in hospitality courtesy the DTCM.

“This is a great win for me and I am really looking forward to the course as it will help me advance my career.”

The Fairmont Dubai’s concierge team won the overall Best Team Award and received Dhs20,000 in cash, plus a trophy.

Concierge Manager Junaidi Susantio, of the Fairmont said, “Winning this title is a great payoff for us, as we have been striving to provide world-class services to our customers all throughout the year. It is not just during the competition that we up our service levels. Our colleague Mitchel’s title win last year, motivated us to work hard for the team title.”

Other winners include:

- UAE National Marwan Mohammed from the Burj Al Arab for Best Knowledge of Attraction & Events and received Dhs2000 in cash sponsored by Castaway Cards.

- Sharlan Rabacal from the Al Murooj Rotana, for Best Communication Skills as well as Dhs2000 sponsored by Concierge Magazine.

- Le Meridien’s Denver Caramer scooped the award for Best Knowledge of Culture & Heritage and Dhs3000, sponsored by Big Bus Company.

- Mahmood Chemchame from the Mina A’Salam, who took the Most Caring Concierge Award, as well as Dhs2000.

- Jun Eusebio from the Hilton Jumeirah won the title of Best Integrity with Customers and a cash prize of Dhs3000.

- Reddy from Al Bustan Rotana won the title of Most Friendly Concierge and a cash award of Dhs3000; Jearim Dancel from the J W Marriott, received his award for Best Customer Care with a cash prize of Dhs2000; Lasker Ahmed from the Movenpick Dubai won Best Knowledge of Shopping in Dubai and Dhs3000.

- The Grand Hyatt Dubai’s concierge team won the Consistent Team Performance title with Dhs4,500 while Jumeirah Beach Hotel won the Most Enthusiastic Team title and a cash award of Dhs6,000.

The Concierge of the Year Awards 2006 were presented following months of research by mystery guests, who visited all 35 properties at least five 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 quiz and individual presentations by all participating hotels.

“Every year we are encouraged by the response to the competition, the enthusiasm and terrific team spirit displayed by all participants,” said Victoria Smith, Group Marketing Director, Wafi City.

“As more hotels come online in Dubai and around the region and the concierge community grows, this competition will continue to set industry standards for aspiring professionals.”

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