Video: Lebanese expat in Dubai is world’s second best hotel receptionist

DUBAI: A Lebanese expatriate in Dubai has been named the second best hotel receptionist in the world. Elias Abou Jaoude, 23, who works at the five-star hotel Jumeirah Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah Beach Resort, was runner-up in the “World’s Best Receptionist” competition held in Qatar last week.

Jaoude came second out of 17 finalists in the grand finale of a competition hosted by the Amicale Internationale des Chefs de Reception (AICR), the international association of front desk managers founded in 1964. It is dedicated to David Campbell, head chef at the Ritz Paris after gaining extensive international experience.

Jaoude was selected from 28 participants to represent the UAE at the AICR UAE competition in October 2022. Last year’s UAE champion, Burj Al Arab’s French receptionist Carmen Barbera, was also runner-up. World Finals in Germany.

Jaoude said he was honored to represent the UAE at one of Dubai’s iconic hotels inspired by 1001 Arabian Nights.

He said the winning moment was “an otherworldly experience”.

“The thrill and excitement I experienced after winning the AICR UAE National Competition made me look forward to this amazing five-day journey. Not only was it a group of like-minded and talented people vying for the prestigious David Campbell Trophy, but it was about building friendships and A bunch of memories sharing many laughs and reminding us how exciting our role in the hospitality industry is,” he added.

“Now, having been runner-up in this exciting competition, I am looking forward to further expanding my knowledge and strengthening my practice as a receptionist in the industry through the connections I have made. My sincere thanks also go to my friends, family and colleagues , they have given me overwhelming support since the first day I signed up for the competition at my hotel, Jumeirah Al Qasr.”

Jaoude says being a receptionist is one of the most exciting roles in the industry. reason? “No two guests are alike. Every guest who checks in is a new challenge. It’s a new life story you’re about to discover, and every guest who checks out is a memory you create, a Contribution… At the end of the day, when it comes to experiences, we are responsible for creating those memories for our special guests.”

He said the game gave him a huge sense of reward and a great responsibility to perform at the highest level.

“AICR for me represents a unique networking opportunity where talented hoteliers from around the are the guardians of the guest experience,” Jaoude added.

Jaoude joins Jumeirah Group in September 2021 upon his arrival from Lebanon.

“I started my career as a ‘Club Lounge Agent’ at the pre-opening stage and was promoted to ‘Receptionist’ within three months. I was very excited by the reception environment as each day represented a new story , new challenges and new lessons.

“Within a year, my LQA score reached 95% [Leading Quality Assurance] The audit was also personally recognized as a star employee by the auditor.I also achieved [titles such as] House Front, Hero of the Month for June 2022, and of course, has won the UAE Division AICR Receptionist Competition 2022,” said an elated Jaoude.

“Achieving a top three position in the global competition embodies everything I’ve learned over the past year as a receptionist and has applied those practices while propelling me further in my career and bringing my entire Proud of the team and family; they have contributed so much to my personality and who I am today.”

Fatma Mohammad Lamara, Jumeirah Al Qasr operations manager, said in a statement to Gulf News that since he started his career in hotels in the UAE, Jaoude has shown dedication and passion in everything he does. .

“His commitment to delivering exceptional service makes him outstanding in his role. He is passionate about serving and places an emphasis on providing our guests with an experience, whether it is creating a unique first impression upon arrival or a memorable farewell upon departure ,”she says.

Due to Jaoude’s constant self-development and thirst for knowledge, he excelled in his profession.

“The key to his success is the extra effort and effort he puts into carrying out his duties. Applying standards when performing tasks is great, but the personal touch is what makes the service very unique and memorable,” she added.

AICR UAE President Yomi Egbeleye said AICR UAE is proud of Jaoude’s victory. “His enthusiasm and genuine demeanor are the attributes that really set him apart. It has been an honor to be on this journey with him,” added Egbeleye.

Bianca Alexandra Bogdan, Head of Guest Relations, Mandarin Oriental, Doha, was voted World’s Best Receptionist, while Krzysztof Studziński of Sofitel Poland was runner-up.