Dear Amicalist, Greetings from your AICR Dubai which I trust finds you well. Another year, another competition, another winner. This year saw once again many, 14 to be precise, candidates from 4 and 5 star Hotels competing for the prestigious title of AICR Receptionist of the Year. It goes without saying that the quality of the candidates was exceptional and the pride of those chosen by their Hotel to participate in the competition was immense. In two rounds, 14 candidates went on the 25th September to Media One Hotel in Dubai Media City to go through a 30 minute interview comprised of 5 questions. Out of these 14 candidates the judging panel of three, represented by the AICR Dubai committee, had to take the tough decision to find the 6 Receptionists going into the Finals. The Finals were held this Saturday, 2nd October at the Ritz Carlton Hotel where the Finalists not only once again had to answer questions to the judging panel, which this time was represented by Ibrahim Yaqoot, Executive Director Corporate Support, DTCM; Louise Oakley, Group Editor Hospitality of ITP; Cora De Conceicao-Stuart, GM of Media One Hotel; Tatiana Lomteva, Receptionist of the Year winner 2009 and Steven Mueller, AICR Dubai President. Following the questions a tough Role play was conducted, simulating realistically a scenario any Receptionist could face. It was not easy, but the Jury came to a decision which was announced last Night at the Silk Ballroom of Atlantis, The Palm in a ceremony attended by the majority of the AICR Dubai members. Following news and updates, also relating to the upcoming International Congress in Christchurch, New Zealand where the winner will compete with the national competition winners from 17 other countries, the big moment was there. And here are the results: …and winner of a Cash Prize of AED 3000,- Dianne Mendoca - Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa …and winner of a Cash Prize of AED 5000,- Josimar Delfin - Millennium Airport Hotel Evgeny Strokov - The Ritz Carlton Dubai …who won not only a Cash Prize of AED 10000,- and a wonderful Star trophy, but also will be fully sponsored to attend the International competition for the David Campbell Trophy in Christchurch, New Zealand from the 9th to 14th January 2011. Congratulations again to all candidates and we all are looking forward to take the David Campbell Trophy to Dubai in January! Wish Evgeny a lot of success and a bit of luck in making this happen! Amicalement Steven Steven Mueller President AICR Dubai -- 'Amicale Internationale des Chefs de Reception et Sous Directeurs des Grand Hotels' was founded on the Cote d'Azur in France on 1964, and over the last 40 years has developed into an international fellowship with sections in 18 countries. The aims of the AICR are to facilitate and strengthen the professional relationships between members, and to promote and publicise the importance of their profession, developing the profile of the industry through training and development. Our membership constitutes an extensive source of contacts, offering invaluable networking opportunities,providing each other with support, information and advice.'
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