Arab Tourism News
The tourism industry of East Africa is mourning the loss of Dr. Carmen Nibingira, whose passing has sent shockwaves across the region.
“We are all devastated as East Africa tourism stakeholders,” said Jacinta Nzioka, a longtime colleague of Dr. Nibingira during her tenure at the Kenya Tourism Board.
Dr. Carmen Nibingira, the pioneer CEO of the East Africa Tourism Platform (EATP), served from 2013 to 2016, a period marked by remarkable achievements. Under her leadership, East African nations collaborated to develop a jointone destination, a unified regional brand, the East Africa Single Visa, and launched campaigns to promote the region as one destination.
Known for her gentle soul and deep passion for tourism, Dr. Nibingira was cherished as a mentor, friend, and visionary leader within the industry.
After her tenure at EATP, Dr. Nibingira relocated to Kigali, where she continued her work as a consultant with Howarth and later Mastercard, focusing on regional tourism policy. She was also a respected academic, contributing to tourism training and mentoring in Kigali as a guest lecturer.
“My peer, accountability partner, and dear friend,” said Jacinta Nzioka through tears, highlighting the personal loss felt by many.
Alain St.Ange, Head of Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy and former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports, and Marine, shared his memories of Dr. Nibingira:
“I met Dr. Carmen in 2016 during my campaign for the UNWTO Secretary-General position. She invited me to address a tourism industry event in Kampala, Uganda, and meet the continent’s press. I was deeply impressed by her commitment to Africa and its tourism industry. She believed in Africa’s potential to lead global tourism and worked passionately to ensure the continent seized every opportunity.”
St.Ange added, “Africa has lost a tourism leader who worked with heart and passion.”
Dr. Carmen Nibingira’s legacy will live on through her immense contributions to tourism in East Africa and her unwavering dedication to promoting the continent on the global stage.
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