World's best hotel receptionist

Montreux, Switzerland played host to the WorldSkills championships, recognising and evaluating vocational skills in a range of fields from catering and 3D digital games art to electrical installation and the essential role of hotel receptionist. 

Observed by an audience and scrutinised by a panel of judges, contestants are expected to demonstrate a wide array of skills.

Switzerland's own 19 year old Tim Oberli contended for the top spot in the hotel receptionist contest. His passion for the job ignited as a child on a family holiday. 

Tim Oberli: "Instead of turning to the kids club or doing anything activity-like, I took a chair, I sat in the lobby and I just observed what is happening in the lobby. I observed people at reception interacting with each other."

Despite starting his career at the age of 16 and currently supervising a team of receptionists at a high-end alpine hotel, Oberli still gets cold feet, going up against 15 candidates from across the globe, putting his expertise to the test.

Candidates have got to demonstrate they've got their wits about them as challenging guests and situations, interpreted by actors, are flung at them - as WorldSkills global director, Jane Stokie expounds.

Jane Stokie: "We've got actors here, and the actors are playing the guests. In one module that's happening, there's a troublesome guest, and there's somebody booking in. And in another module, there is an ill guest."

Not only are their practical skills put under a microscope, but also their field knowledge, in a written exam. Nevertheless, Oberli's primary focus is attending to his guests.

Tim Oberli: "It is very important to be flexible, to be creative, to have the ability to improvise, and to understand what the guests' needs are."

The silver medalist, Oberli remains proud of his vocation and representing his country. 

Tim Oberli: "It's way more than just this medal. It is about being an ambassador for my profession, it is about showing passion for what I am doing, to represent Switzerland on an international basis, and to make the profession of the hotel reception more attractive." View Less