Kigali Marriott Hotel Executive Wins Prestigious Global Marriott Award
A Rwandan hospitality leader has made history by securing one of the world’s most exclusive service accolades.
Emmanuella Belle Uwimbabazi, the Director of Rooms Operations at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, was officially named a recipient of the 2026 J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence during a global ceremony held this week in Washington, D.C.
The honor establishes Uwimbabazi as the first-ever hospitality professional from the East African region to receive the accolade since its inception in 1987.
Established to honor the legacy of Marriott International’s founder, the award is strictly limited to ten associates globally each year out of a workforce spanning over 140 countries.
Uwimbabazi was selected for her exceptional leadership in operational management, her dedication to elevating Rwandan hospitality standards, and her active mentorship of young women entering the local workforce.
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Under her guidance, room operations at the Kigali Marriott reached historic guest satisfaction metrics, capturing the attention of the corporation’s executive board.
Beyond her regional impact, Uwimbabazi has been appointed to the EMEA Rooms Operations Advisory Board to help shape service policies across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Industry peers note that her achievement places Rwanda firmly on the global map for luxury service standards and underscores the success of local hospitality training initiatives.
Addressing attendees in Washington, Marriott executives praised her character, resilience, and embodiment of the company’s core values.
The milestone marks a defining moment for East African tourism, signaling a rising global competitiveness in regional executive talent.
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