Wellington Receptionist of Year Tina Nguyen.

Tina Nguyen from InterContinental Wellington has been named Wellington Receptionist of the Year at the recent ARDENZ (Association of Rooms Division Executives of New Zealand) competition held in the capital city.

Tina will represent the Wellington region in the national finals to be held in Christchurch in September. The national winner will then represent New Zealand at the international competition to be held in Prague, Czech Republic, in January 2012.

InterContinental Wellington has enjoyed consistent top results in the prestigious annual competition, representing the Wellington Region in the nationals for the past four years, winning the national title in 2008 and the world title in Cannes in 2009.

"We are delighted that Tina has continued the fine success of InterContinental Wellington in this competition," said Ben Schmidt, Front Office Manager. 

"Tina is a valued member of the Front Office team, loved by her colleagues and guests alike. Her nomination had the full support of her team and we all wish her well in the national finals."

Candidates from leading hotels in three regions compete by first undergoing a gruelling panel interview testing their knowledge on costs, profits, revenue, yield management, staffing levels, structure and promotional ideas.

The panel interview is followed by a role-play skill demonstration where candidates are given a scenario then have to think on their feet to identify the guest's needs and match them with the highest standard of customer care and professionalism.

Tina said after the title announcement: "I really enjoyed the challenge of competing with my peers, but it was nerve racking as all of the judges were watching your every move, and it's very hard being put on the spot, having to think on your feet."

Tina completed a chef course at WELTEC before attending PIHMS in New Plymouth and then started working at InterContinental Wellington in January 2011. She hopes to develop into a management role although she still enjoys working as a chef part time, saying cooking is a passion.

"The company (InterContinental Hotels Group) gives me great opportunities to move not only within the hotel but also around the world. And I love the fact that I always feel so looked after by the team, it really feels like home."