Life & Style | People
Behind the scenes
It's the everyday employees at the Dubai Tennis Championships who make sure everything runs smoothly. tabloid! goes backstage with Jobelyn Talavera.
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:29 February 24, 2008
- Jobelyn Talaverais a retail assistant in the Dubai Duty Free shop at the airport.
- Image Credit:
Unlike many major sporting events around the world, the Dubai Tennis Championships is not presented by a giant events company. Instead, it is brought to us courtesy of the everyday employees at Dubai Duty Free, the company which owns the annual tournament.
Managing director Colm McLoughlin explains: "The Dubai Tennis has a personal touch. We don't hire the big guns to stage the event for us. We use our loyal members of staff and offer them the opportunity to be a part of something a little different and quite spectacular. We are a big family and we work together to pull it off each year."
Backstage with Jobelyn Talavera:
What do you do at Dubai Duty Free?
Presently I am working as a retail assistant in the Dubai Duty Free shop at the airport.
What is your job title during the tennis?
This year I have been taken from the shop floor and made Accommodation Coordinator — in-charge of the accommodation of the players, WTA and ATP tour officials and staff, media and international press.
How long have you lived in Dubai?
Just over one year now.
What is the best thing about working at the tennis?
It is really good that we are given the chance to take part in such a wonderful event. It has all been very exciting and I am enjoying the opportunity so much — although it can be quite stressful at times.
My job has allowed me to have daily contact with some of the world's best tennis players which is quite surreal for me. One day I was working in a shop and the next day I was talking to Roger Federer. They call and chat to me about where they would like to stay and I try my hardest to make it happen.
What has been the biggest challenge?
Finding accommodation is the hardest thing! Everywhere is full at this time of year and it is very difficult to get people what they want. But I negotiate each day and hopefully we'll make everyone happy.
Have you ever had any strange requests from players about rooms or the items they need in the rooms?
Most of the players are not very fussy in terms of room requests. The biggest request is for a transfer because they want to stay near family and friends. I need to make sure everyone gets a room according to the category classification of each player and work according to their room entitlement based on the rules of the WTA/ATP Tours. I also need to monitor the match results so I can advise the hotel accordingly for instructions on who will be checking out and when. I am on call 24 hours a day for late bookings and arrivals.
How many rooms do you book approximately during the entire tennis championships?
We have approximately 200 rooms booked for the event. It is a long process of negotiation on number of rooms and rates as it is a peak season in Dubai during the tennis weeks.
Any special bookings for players who like to stay in certain places?
Most of them stay in the official hotel selected by the tournament. The convenience and the distance of the hotel to the stadium is very important to them. There are some guests who want to stay by the beach side and I can recommend best places to stay.
Would you do it all again?
I'm looking forward to working for the tennis every year even if it means working long hours because at the end of it all your efforts are worth it. I have to thank Dubai Duty Free and in particular our managing director for giving me this great opportunity.
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