HOTELIER AWARDS SHORTLIST: Unsung hero of the year
With the Hotelier Middle East Awards less than one month away, its time to unveil the finalists for our Unsung Hero of the Year Award, which has traditionally been one of our most competitive categories.
In total, 90 hoteliers across 18 individual awards categories have been shortlisted, along with five hotel teams for the coveted Team of the Year Award.
The winners will be presented with their awards at a gala event at at the world’s tallest hotel, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai on October 30.
SUBAIT MOOSA, COFFEE SERVER, CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN
ABOUT SUBAIT
Subait Moosa, an Omani national, who moved to Bahrain as a fisherman, joined Crowne Plaza Bahrain more than 15 years ago as a coffee server and has progressed as one of the hotel’s real pillars, providing great Arabic hospitality in the Crowne Plaza Bahrain and learning English and many of the guests’ names in the process.
WHY WAS HE NOMINATED?
A pillar of the hotel and the front desk team, Subait is considered the “grand daddy” of the hotel aged at 83 years old. Rather than retire, he has chosen to continue working because of his enthusiasm for his job. Aside from serving the Arabic coffee, which he prepares at his coffee station in the lobby every day, Subait is always armed with a book on the local history of Bahrain in order to promote the island.
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SAMUEL TAGOE, LIFEGUARD, DOUBLETREEBY HILTON RAS AL KHAIMAH
ABOUT SAMUEL
Samuel joined DoubleTree by Hilton by Ras Al Khaimah in 2011. As an employee, he has contributed positively to the improvement and achievements of the hotel and has won numerous awards for his performance.
WHY WAS HE NOMINATED?
Samuel’s approach is always a can do attitude and he helped his fellow team members with a variety of tasks, such as cleaning high window glasses, helping stewarding to do the set up during pool parties every month, and helping spa attendants in transporting towels from the laundry. He ensures all tasks are completed and takes all initiatives to make them happen. Recently, the umbrellas by the hotel’s rooftop pool and restaurant were damaged due to bad weather, and Samuel mended all the umbrellas at the outlet himself, saving the hotel a significant amount of money in repairs or new umbrella fabric.
WHAT DID HIS TEAM SAY?
“Samuel is always providing a helping hand for us here in public areas. He helps me with cleaning high window glasses, scrubbing outdoor areas and other cleaning jobs. He always comes and helps whenever he sees me working alone and most of the time, he comes back even after his shift is finished and helps me in finishing my task.” Alexis Gomes, public area attendant
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SHER ANDAZ KHAN, TEAM DRIVER, WALDORF ASTORIA RAS AL KHAIMAH
ABOUT SHER
Sher joined the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah prior to it’s opening. Previously, he was a driver at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah for 8 years, two years as a taxi driver before that and three years as a delivery driver yet before that.
WHY WAS HE NOMINATED?
Sher has welcomed more than 300 team members over the past six months at the hotel. He drove to Dubai Airport from Ras Al Khaimah at least five times daily to pick up team members arriving from more than 50 countries, notching up more than 60kms on his personal car in the process.
WHAT DID HIS TEAM SAY?
“I remember my arrival in Dubai. After he had been waiting for two hours in the middle of the night for me, he did not complain, but invited me to tea. It was 5am and by that time I was extremely tired, but still enjoyed my cup of tea and the interesting conversation that came along with it.” Alastair, assistant sales manager
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MARY JUNE AMORA, HOTEL STAFF NURSE, DOHA MARRIOTT
ABOUT MARY JUNE
June began her nursing career by enrolling at the San Carlos University in the Philippines and graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science and nursing degree, following which she enrolled in emergency training services in 2007 and after receiving her certification in Emergency Medical services (EMS). June became a member of the Doha Marriott team in 2009 as the hotels dedicated staff nurse, working with associates from all parts of the globe.
WHY WAS SHE NOMINATED?
With her quiet and modest demeanor, June has proven herself to be an extremely valuable associate at the Doha Marriott, dealing with a variety of difficult, emotional and testing situations. Working in an environment with hot kitchen equipment, engineering tools and heavy machinery, to name a few, June recognised the significance for having dedicated hotel associates trained in first aid. She was instrumental in setting up the training and organising it along with the loss prevention team. During a fatal bus crash in April 2013 involving hotel associates, when 21 employees were injured, including three associates in critical condition, June visited the associates at the hospital on a daily basis acting as a liaison between the hotel and the hospital. She ensured that every surviving associate was taken care of, arranging follow up appointments when necessary, making home visits to the less critically injured associates, and even providing medical care to associates in terms of re-dressing bandages etc.
WHAT DID HER TEAM SAY?
“Since being diagnosed with cancer in June 2013, June has been doing a great job helping me through. June came with me to the hospital to get all the information and guidance I needed for my treatment. June was always in contact with me at home to follow up with me and assisting me to my appointments. She has been dedicated to helping me, with no benefit to herself. I would like to thank her for her outstanding job and the support I received from her during my treatment.” Mitra Neupane, laundry valet
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HUBERT SEBASTIEN JOSEPH XAVIER, ROOM SERVICE TEAM LEADER, AL MAHA,A LUXURY COLLECTION, DESERT RESORT AND SPA
ABOUT HUBERT
Hubert joined Al Maha in 2004 as a busboy. Working his way through the ranks, he was promoted to a waiter in 2006 and then senior waiter in 2008. After a brief stint with Emirates SkyCargo, Hubert returned to the resort as room service team leader. As team leader, he is responsible for cleanliness checks of suites; replenishment of in-room amenities, turndown service, co-ordination of arrivals and departures and room service orders. He also handles special guest requests and personalised in-room services.
WHY WAS HE NOMINTAED?
Hubert always follows up on all day to day tasks and has a keen eye for detail. Despite the demanding nature of his work, the long hours and the constant challenges he faces day to day, the marked reduction in negative guest comments is a testament to his commitment. For instance, when Hubert was a restaurant server, a vacationing couple mentioned they loved mango and wanted to explore dining options in the area. After checking with the kitchen and realising there were no mangoes stocked, Hubert stopped at a supermarket on his way to work the next day to buy the fruit for the guests, which was hand delivered to them along with a list of restaurants he had recommended.
WHAT DID HIS TEAM SAY?
“I have worked with Hubert for the past five years and he has always been most accommodating with his guests and colleagues, going the extra mile in spite of the many long hours he willingly contributes. I believe his team has benefitted greatly under his leadership and training, thus providing perfect service in their area of operation. This in turn has given us many happy guests, which has contributed towards Al Maha’s achievements.” Krystle-Anne D’Sa, guest relations officer
WHAT DID HIS GUESTS SAY?
“The staff at Al Maha are excellentl. This was our second visit and some of the staff remembered us from our previous visit especially Hubert, he made us feel so special and on my birthday could not do enough to make sure it was a wonderful day, he even rang me in the morning to wish me a happy birthday.