'Never-say-no' Gerardo is Concierge of the Year

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates chief concierge Gerardo Gabat is Hotelier Middle East’s Concierge of the Year 2012.

Gerado Gabat fought off tough competition from the four other finalists from Holiday Inn Kuwait, Atlantis The Palm Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab to be declared the winner at last night’s Hotelier Middle East Awards presented by Du.

This category recognises concierges who are available to greet guests, arrange itineraries and incentivise their teams, as well as represent both their hotel brand and their destination. The concierge must be a creative problem solver, able to think on think on their feet and always have a smile on their face.

Gabat impressed judges with his can-do attitude and involvement in the industry.

“As secretary general of the UAE Chapter of Les Clefs d’Or, Kempinski’s Gerado Gabat is entrenched in the country’s hotel industry. He works closely with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing to develop training programmes for concierges across the emirate,” said the judges.

“Commended by colleagues and peers alike for his never-say-no, take-charge attitude, he is credited with exemplifying the highest level of guest service,” they added.

Upon receiving the award, Gabat said excitedly: "Finally, finally, finally the mythical beast is here, it’s in my hand. In 2009 I was here, I was highly commended but I got this one now! I got my unicorn."

Asked what it takes to become a top concierge, he said: "You need patience, understanding and knowledge", before leaving us with his final words "Now I'm going to call my wife"

The highly commended nominee was Abdel Ghafour Shoukri Abdel Meguid Omar - better known as Shoukri – chief concierge at the Holiday Inn Kuwait.

The Hotelier Middle East Awards 2012 took place on October 31 at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC, in Dubai.