A graduate of Griffith University’s Bachelor of International Tourism and Hotel Management has been accepted into one of the world’s most exclusive hotel concierge programs, Les Clefs d’Or.
Wing Yi (Wisky) Lai completed her Griffith study in 2018 and currently works as a Concierge Supervisor at The Star Gold Coast.
She becomes the only current female member in Queensland in Les Clefs d’Or, an elite global organisation that started in Paris in 1929.
“I spent almost two years trying to get invited into Les Clefs d’Or and finally this year I got in, flying down to Sydney to have my interview,” she said.
“It’s about exceeding the guest’s expectationsand making memorable moments for them. It’s not just carrying out their requests, it’s so much more than that.”
Acting Head of Department for Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Professor Charles Arcodia,congratulated Wisky on her acceptance into Les Clefs d’Or.
“Griffith University, and the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management within Griffith Business School, are very proud of her achievement,” he said.
“The association has welcomed just seven Queenslanders in 40 years, making this an exceptional achievement for Wisky.
“This recognition is regarded as the highest honour in the profession and a Les Clefs d’Or Concierge can be distinguished by the ‘Golden Keys’ worn on the two lapels of their uniform.
“Before being admitted into this Association, prospective members must demonstrate several years of experience as a Hotel Concierge, pass extensive tests and prove their unmistakable ability to provide superior customer service.”
Wisky graduated from Griffith in 2018.
Wisky’s appointment is all the more impressive given she isn’t a Gold Coast local.
She chose to study at Griffith’s Gold Coast campus because of its reputation and relocated from her home in Hong Kong.
“I’d already done a diploma in Hong Kong in Hotel Management and I also worked in a hotel there, but I decided to go to Australia and see what the hotel industry looked like there.
“I did some research and realised Griffith University was basically number one (in Australia) in hotel management.”
“I love the way Griffith also focuses on the people side, not just the hierarchy, because in Hong Kong it is a totally different culture and your boss is your boss.
“Here, management teams listen. Even within my team, we have 50 members in conversation, working closely together.”
Wisky says she looks forward to being awarded her Les Clefs d’Or ‘golden keys’ shortly.
The exclusive club has just 60 Australian members (4000 internationally) and she has big plans for her time in the fold.
“In the next two years, I will look to get a role like Chief Concierge in a five-star hotel and within five years, I want to become Les Clefs d’Or President (in Australia).”
