Dubai: Carmen Barbera, a Dubai-based receptionist who represented the United Arab Emirates in Germany’s ‘Best Receptionist in the World’ competition, landed first place.
As Gulf News reported last week, the French national, a guest services manager who became the front office team leader at the Burj Al Arab hotel, found entry to the event. after winning the Receptionist of the Year award in the UAE. in November 2021.
The global competition is organized by the Amicale Internationale des Chefs de Reception (AICR), the International Front Office Managers Association founded in 1964. It was established in memory of David Campbell, who became Front Office Manager at the Ritz Hotel, Paris, after obtaining a rich international experience.
The winners were chosen at the grand final held in Baden-Baden, Germany late Saturday evening.
Pia Zumkley from Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden in Germany received the David Campbell award for the best receptionist in the world 2022 while Carmen, who represented AICR UAE, was declared the first runner-up. Wang Zhen Zhen, from J Hotel, Shanghai Tower in China, became the second runner-up.
In addition to the awards given, the top three finishers will have a year of mentorship with the AICR with a leadership mentor to help them grow professionally.
Proud to carry the UAE flag
Speaking to Gulf News from Germany, Carmen said she was “really grateful to have been awarded this title”.
“I was fortunate to have this experience with 18 incredibly talented receptionists from around the world, and I was proud to carry the flag of the United Arab Emirates and represent Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts. All 19 candidates were incredibly talented and I sincerely believe that everyone did an incredible job throughout the experience. By meeting here in Baden-Baden, we had the chance to get to know each other and we learned a lot,” she added.
Throughout the challenge, she said she not only cultivated the value of discipline, but also realized the emotional resonance of such a journey.
“I have been extremely inspired by all the fabulous people I have met, and I am forever grateful to have had this chance. I thank everyone who has contributed to this achievement. It has been the greatest work of team of my young career with the help of my colleagues, mentors and countless beautiful personalities from all over the world.
Looking forward to her future, Carmen said, “As I complete the final chapter of this challenge, I confidently begin a new chapter. My objective is to develop myself further and to positively apprehend the challenges. While I am grateful for the present, I look forward to embracing the future of hospitality and leading change while proudly passing on the values of empathy, generosity and resilience, which have guided me throughout along the way.
Testimony of dedication
AICR UAE President Yomi Egbeleye, who accompanied Carmen at the event, told Gulf News: “The AICR UAE chapter is very proud to have Carmen represent us. The level of maturity and passion she possesses is truly unmatched. The future is bright for this young hotelier and it was an honor to be by her side throughout this journey.
In a statement to Gulf News, Ermanno Zanini, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, said: “We are extremely proud of Carmen, as this award is testament to her continued dedication to providing unparalleled service and creating memorable experiences for our guests. This incredible achievement is a true reward for all the hard work that the entire Burj Al Arab Jumeirah team puts in every day to organize world-class services that go beyond expectations.
The team had also released a video in which several senior members commented on Carmen’s talents and wished her the best for the grand finale.
From left to right: Lilly Freudmayer -AICR International Secretary and Head of Education for AICR based in Dubai, Carmen Barbera and Iryna Hoell, Associate Director of Front Office, Burj Al Arab
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Carmen Barbera is congratulated by the other candidates after being declared the first runner-up for the best receptionist in the world in Germany
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From left to right Egidio Marcato-head judge, winner Pia Zumkley, first runner-up Carmen Barbera and Arian Röhrle-AICR International president
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(From right) 1st runner-up Carmen Barbera with World’s Best Receptionist 2022: Pia Zumkley and last year’s winner Max Vetter Photo courtesy of AICR (Amicale Internationale des Chefs de Reception)
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