Siubhan is nominated for prestigious five-star award

Siubhan McPhail, New Zealand School of Tourism graduate from Dunedin, was a runner-up in the 2022 Ritz-Carlton Leader of the Quarter Award.

This award recognises hotel management and customer service excellence at the Ritz-Carlton, one of the most prestigious hotel conglomerates in the world. One person from each department is nominated each quarter for the Leader of the Year award, out of 40,000 staff members across Ritz-Carlton's 106 hotels.

Siubhan says her award nomination is an indication of her work and world ready skills, but the journey hasn’t been easy given her struggle with dyslexia.

“I struggled a lot in high school, so it wasn’t until I was well into my 20s that I decided to enter tertiary study with NZST,” says Siubhan.

“NZST helped me discover the world of opportunities in tourism, and helped me build the confidence to pursue my overseas career ambitions.”

Siubhan closed off her studies at NZST on a high – winning the 2020 top tourism and travel student award.

Since then, she has lived and worked all over Europe. Currently, Siubhan is loving her role as an Event Concierge at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, Florida USA.

“Honestly, I love my job. I get to meet and work with clients from all walks of life – planning and executing luxurious events at a high standard.”

Siubhan does not plan to slow down anytime soon. The Ritz Carlton has renewed Siubhan’s contract for another year, giving her more time to explore Naples.

“We all have the inherent urge to see new places and discover new cultures. Working in tourism and travel is the ideal career.”

Photo: The Ritz Carlton, Naples, Florida USA.