Marriott International, a leading global hospitality company headquartered in the United States, has honoured Rwandan hotel professional Emmanuela Belle Uwimbabazi with a prestigious international award in recognition of her outstanding customer service and excellence in the hospitality sector.
The annual J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence recognises 10 exceptional employees from Marriott properties worldwide who demonstrate remarkable performance in guest service, teamwork, and leadership.
Uwimbabazi, who serves as Rooms Division Manager at Kigali Marriott Hotel, was selected for her consistent dedication to delivering high-quality guest experiences, strong professional standards, and effective leadership within her team. She becomes the first recipient from the East African region to receive this distinguished recognition.
According to Marriott International, nominees are identified based on excellence in customer care, collaboration, and leadership, before undergoing a rigorous internal selection process involving hotels across the global network.
The award ceremony was held at Marriott International headquarters in Washington D.C. on 11 May 2026, where Uwimbabazi was celebrated among global winners for her exceptional contribution to the hospitality industry.
Speaking after receiving the award, Uwimbabazi expressed pride in representing Rwanda and Africa on the global stage, describing the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility.
“I stand here as the first Rwandan woman and the first East African in Marriott to receive this award. This is not just an achievement, but a responsibility,” she said. “It represents every African working in hospitality, especially women who are breaking barriers in the industry.”
She highlighted that her professional journey has been shaped by values of discipline, confidence, and service excellence inspired by her Rwandan background.
Emmanuela noted that Rwanda has played a key role in shaping her belief that women are not only contributors to development but also powerful drivers of progress. She further highlighted that Marriott International shares this inclusive vision, emphasising that when women are empowered equally, the positive impact is felt across families, workplaces, and communities as a whole.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, congratulated Uwimbabazi, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the country and a reflection of Rwanda’s growing reputation for excellence in global hospitality.
Senior leadership at Marriott International, including Bill Marriott, also commended her dedication and professionalism, praising her as an example of service excellence within the global network.
The recognition further underscores Rwanda’s growing influence in the international hospitality industry and reflects the country’s steady rise as a global benchmark for service excellence. It highlights the increasing visibility of Rwandan professionals on the world stage and reinforces the nation’s reputation for nurturing talent, professionalism, and high standards in the hospitality sector.
