Tributes are flowing for regional tourism champion Carmen Nibigira, who passed on in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, following an illness. She was 46 years old.
Nibigira, a prominent figure in East Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry born in Burundi, had dedicated over 24 years to the hotel and tourism sector.
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At the time of her passing, she was the Lead Tourism and Hospitality Management in the Rwanda Programs team at Mastercard Foundation.
Arielle Kayigaba, a Canadian MP from Burundi, shared her admiration for Nibigira on her X platform.
"There are things that are hard to understand and accept, but I am delighted to read all the testimonies about the life of Carmen Nibigira,” Kayigaba wrote on X.
"We hadn’t gotten the chance to know each other very well, but the little time we spent together, we talked about our children and about amazing Burundian women she believed I should be supporting. She pushed me to expand my reach and to never forget where I came from. There are no two like her, we lose a giantess in all forms. Rest in peace, Carmen, you leave behind several little pioneers that you shaped yourself!”
Kenya-based sustainable tourism expert Judy Kepher-Gona, wrote: "Farewell Carmen Nibigira. Can't believe. In denial. Were you an angel sent amongst us for a season? You made our lives richer.
"You extended the ladder for a sister whenever you could. I am a witness. Go well, my friend. You were a brilliant mind and a beautiful soul. Peace and comfort to your children, family, and friends,” she added.
Media personality Jacky Lumbasi said: "I cannot believe that Carmen is no more. Death is cruel. An amazing woman has gone too soon. My thoughts are with her family, especially her sons. Rest well, Dr. Nibigira.”
Sheikh Abdul Azizi Al Nuaimi, also known as the Green Sheikh and a member of the Ajman Royal family of the UAE, wrote: "At a global conservation conference in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2018, I first met Dr Nibigira, a visionary in sustainable tourism and community empowerment.
"Her keynote on transforming tourism into a force for good resonated deeply with me, and we quickly bonded over shared values of family, community, and sustainability. Carmen’s admiration for Rwanda’s conservation efforts reflected her own lifelong commitment to sustainability.”
The Rwanda Chamber of Tourism (RCOT) also paid tribute to the deceased, recognising her as a trusted advisor and dear friend.
"RCOT is heartbroken by the passing of Dr. Nibigira, a dear friend & trusted advisor. Her unwavering support, wisdom, and passion for tourism inspired us all. We honour her legacy.”
The East African Tourism Platform (EATP), where Nibigira served as first CEO, from 2013-2016, paid tribute to her on their X platform, saying: "We deeply mourn the loss of Dr. Nibigira, former EATP Regional Coordinator and a passionate advocate for East Africa’s tourism. Her legacy of unity and sustainable growth will live on.”