The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Association of Front Office Managers and Assistant Managers (AICR Dubai) have announced the winner of the 2006 AICR Dubai Receptionist of the Year competition.

Now into its third year, a record 31 talented young hoteliers from five-star properties entered this year’s competition. The award presentation ceremony took place at The Jumeirah Beach Hotel last week. Last year’s award scheme attracted 25 entries.

After much consideration by a panel of judges, all industry professionals, six finalists were chosen. This year's winner is Bogdana Voicu from the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah.

Voicu will go on to represent Dubai at the International Receptionist of the Year Competition to be held in Estonia from January 17 to 21, 2007.

Voicu will join other International candidates in vying for the prestigious David Campbell Trophy, named after late hotelier David Campbell, the legendary Chef de Reception at The Ritz Hotel, Paris whose dedication to the industry inspired the International Receptionist of the Year Competition to be formed in his honour in 1995. The annual competition has continued to grow from strength to strength, with its emphasis on training, encouragement, and friendship gaining it the respect of hoteliers and sponsors worldwide.

All the participants sat for an initial interview with the AICR committee forming a judging panel.

Six finalists faced the judging panel which consisted of a Front Office Manager, a General Manager and representatives from the hospitality, media and education fields.

Each hotel was allowed to nominate one applicant from the Receptionist level only, excluding the shift leaders, supervisors and managers.

The DTCM Manager Human Resources, Mr. Ibrahim Yaqoot, who presented the award, said: “The annual award scheme for one of the most crucial operational part of the hotel industry is to bring about the best professionalism among the hoteliers and to work towards having international recognition for the emirate’s booming hospitality industry.”

Kerstin Pundt, President, AICR Dubai, said: “We were thrilled to have such a good turnout this year. As the Dubai chapter of the AICR grows, so does Dubai's status as a home to so many talented young hoteliers, who will then go on to bring the hotel industry in Dubai to new heights.”