The East African tourism and hospitality industry is in mourning following the passing of Dr. Carmen Nibigira on November 16. A trailblazer and visionary, Carmen was celebrated as an advocate for borderless travel in East Africa and a key figure in shaping the region’s tourism landscape.
Tributes and condolences have poured in from industry leaders, colleagues and friends who admired her dedication, warmth and tireless work. Carmen’s career was marked by remarkable achievements, including serving as the inaugural CEO of the East African Tourism Platform (2013–2016), where she spearheaded the creation of the region’s first single tourism visa encompassing Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Rebecca Harrison, CEO and Co-Founder of the African Management Institute, described Carmen’s passing as “devastating,” recalling her warmth and insights during visits to Kigali. “Rest in peace Carmen, you will be deeply missed,” she said.
Jean Byamugisha, Executive Director of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, expressed heartbreak, sharing, “We had so many plans for capacity building in the hotel sector in East Africa. Carmen’s passion for training young people in hospitality was unparalleled. May we continue your legacy!”
Dr. Carmen Nibigira’s impressive career included serving as the Director General of the Burundi National Tourism Office and managing operations across East Africa, including Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond. Her work extended to policy development and consultancy, advising governments and organizations on tourism strategies in Africa.
Elcia Grandcourt, Regional Director for the Africa Department at the UN Tourism, reflected on Carmen’s positive energy and influence: “Our sister was always full of positive energy, such a great loss for our industry. May her kind soul rest in peace.”
Her commitment to advancing tourism and education was further demonstrated through her role as a board member of the Akilah Institute and her recent position as Project Director at Horwath HTL, overseeing a MasterCard Foundation initiative to transform Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
As a PhD candidate at Clemson University, Carmen focused her research on the political economy of tourism and the sociopolitical dimensions of emerging destinations. She leaves behind a legacy as a champion of intra-regional tourism, a mentor, and an inspiration to many.
Akandwanaho Amos, a researcher at the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research of Rwanda, called Carmen a “champion of the tourism and hospitality industry in East Africa,” noting her role in shaping countless institutions and inspiring the sector to evolve.
Others, like Jon Howell, founder of Aviadev Africa, and Jacinta Nzioka, a destination marketing expert, echoed sentiments of grief and admiration, underscoring her role as a beacon of energy and innovation.
Carmen, who was also a devoted mother to two sons, was in 2018, recognized with the Women in Tourism Leadership in Africa award and named one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Travel in 2017.
Dr. Carmen Nibigira will be remembered as a true pioneer, leaving behind a legacy of transformative impact that will resonate for generations.
