Dorsai Khaghani closes Sales Person of the year

Dorsai Khaghani was named Sales Person of the Year at the Hotelier Middle East Awards 2016, for achievements in her role as director of sales and marketing at Sofitel The Palm Dubai.

Judges were won over by the efforts of Khaghani, who increased overall ADR of the hotel through revenue-generating tactics, created extra banquet revenue, and developed new markets and protected market share.

The highly commended nominee in this category was Krystle-Anne D’Sa from Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.

The other top nominees in this category were: Doha Marriott Hotel senior sales manager Lilia Andreeva, Radisson Blu Hotel Jeddah M&E manager Monera Al Nowaiser, Madinat Jumeirah associate director of sales - groups & events conversion Tunde Nagy and Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre Hotel & Residences sales manager government Zaher Oraikat.

Khaghani managed to increase the ADR by focusing on generating more business from luxury units which include three private villas and a four bedroom Palm Suite via the VIP accounts. She said: "Personally I look after luxury accounts; I visit them often and I make sure it’s all personalised services. I believe 2016 was a tough year, as will be 2017, because there are more competitors coming, especially on the Palm.”

Upon picking up the award, she noted: “It seems amazing, I think it makes me proud, both of own achievements but also my team’s achievements too. It is a big surprise – you can never be confident that you are the best.”

The Sales Person of the Year category was sponsored by A. Ronai and presented by managing director Gavin Dodd.

The old Hollywood glamour-themed event took place on October 26, at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC.