After making history as the first Tapestry Collection in Africa and Rwanda's first Hilton property, Zaria Court Hotel has stated it is focused on the work behind the scenes: training its team, building its culture, and setting a new benchmark for hospitality in Kigali. When Zaria Court Hotel opened its doors in December 2025 as part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton, it made history as Rwanda’s first property under the global brand. But for the team inside the 80-room Kigali Sports City hotel, the milestone was only the starting point. ALSO READ: Zaria Court Kigali now open as part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton In the weeks since, the hotel has turned its attention inward, investing in the training, team cohesion, and professional development that will determine whether the property lives up to both its Hilton affiliation and its founding vision of authentic African excellence. Learning what it means to be a Hilton hotel The hotel’s Training Manager recently led the full team through a “Welcome to Hilton” workshop, a structured session covering the brand’s global service standards, values, and the expectations that come with being part of one of the world’s most recognised hospitality groups. “At Zaria Court Hotel, we believe excellent service begins with a well-prepared and united team. The ‘Welcome to Hilton’ workshop was an important step in aligning our people with Hilton’s global standards while reinforcing our own identity and vision,” said Christelle Umubyeyi, Training Manager. “It allowed the team to clearly understand not just what is expected, but why those standards matter in delivering consistent, high-quality experiences for our guests.” ALSO READ: Top American hotel chain Hilton expands to Rwanda with Zaira Court The session was led entirely in-house, a deliberate choice that reflects the hotel’s approach to its own identity, according to its management. Rather than importing a culture, Zaria Court Hotel is building one: translating Hilton’s global framework into something that feels native to this team, this city, and the community the hotel serves. Umubyeyi said that the workshop created a real sense of clarity and belonging within the team, pointing out that it was more than an introduction to Hilton’s values; it was a moment of alignment. “Our team began to see themselves not only as employees of Zaria Court Hotel, but as part of a global hospitality family. That mindset shift is powerful, because it strengthens accountability, pride, and the confidence to deliver at an international standard,” she observed. The hotel says the workshop is the first in an ongoing programme of professional development – not a one-time exercise, but a commitment built into how the property operates. The investment in people has not been limited to formal training. Zaria Court Hotel recently organised a friendly football match against team members from Kigali Marriott Hotel, bringing together two of the city’s prominent properties in a show of cross-industry camaraderie. The initiative may appear informal, but it points to something the hotel takes seriously: that a strong internal team and a collaborative industry go hand in hand, the hotel indicated. It held that team members who trust each other tend to perform better together. Hotels that invest in relationships across the sector help raise the overall quality of what Kigali offers its visitors. “Our match against Marriott wasn’t just about competition; it was about connection. It gave us a chance to step away from our daily roles and come together as one team. Moments like that strengthen relationships, build trust, and truly reflect the inclusive and united culture we have at Zaria Court Hotel,” said Jean d'Amour Cyiza, Team Coach /Food and Beverage Manager. For a hotel whose stated mission includes empowering the next generation of African hospitality professionals, these early moves carry weight beyond their immediate impact. A commitment to long-term excellence Zaria Court Hotel stated it entered 2026 at an interesting intersection, pointing out that Kigali’s hospitality sector continues to evolve, with rising visitor expectations and growing international visibility. As part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Zaria Court Hotel enters this landscape with both credibility and responsibility. It affirmed that its long-term reputation will be shaped not by brand affiliation alone, but by the consistency of its service, the strength of its team, and the authenticity of the experiences it delivers. Through continued investment in its people, structured professional development, and active engagement within the hospitality community, the hotel said it is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. As it moves into this next phase, its emphasis remains practical and clear: build capability within the team, strengthen industry relationships, and deliver meaningful experiences to every guest consistently. About Zaria Court Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Zaria Court Hotel Kigali is Rwanda’s first urban lifestyle hotel, located in the heart of Kigali Sports City, steps from BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium. The 80-room property features locally-inspired interiors, multiple food and beverage outlets, event spaces, and a heated pool. Inspired by the vision of Masai Ujiri, the hotel is part of Tapestry Collection by Hilton and offers guests access to Hilton Honors benefits while maintaining its distinctive, community-driven character.
