The United States Virgin Islands is embarking on a new chapter in its tourism development with the proposed appointment of Jennifer Matarangas-King as the next Commissioner of Tourism. This strategic move aims to build upon the significant progress made in recent years, further enhancing the islands' global appeal and economic prosperity. Her extensive background in communications and public affairs positions her to effectively articulate the unique narrative of the Virgin Islands to a global audience, fostering continued growth and investment within the vital tourism sector.

This transition marks a pivotal moment for the USVI's tourism landscape. The departure of Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, whose leadership ushered in an era of unprecedented success, sets a high bar for the incoming administration. Under Boschulte's guidance, the Virgin Islands not only attracted record numbers of visitors but also cemented its reputation as a leading Caribbean destination through innovative marketing and strategic partnerships. Matarangas-King's task will be to sustain this momentum, ensuring that the islands remain at the forefront of the competitive global tourism market, while also addressing future challenges and opportunities with foresight and agility.

New Leadership for USVI Tourism

The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to welcome a new era of tourism leadership with the nomination of Jennifer Matarangas-King, a highly experienced professional in communications and public affairs. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced her nomination, emphasizing her strategic insight, strong connections within the community, and dedication to public service. Matarangas-King, originally from St. Croix, brings more than three decades of experience from various roles in government, telecommunications, and community engagement, including a recent senior position at Viya where she managed corporate communications and strategic planning. This appointment is expected to continue the positive trajectory of the Department of Tourism.

Jennifer Matarangas-King's extensive background makes her an ideal candidate to steer the USVI's tourism sector forward. Her career has spanned both public and private spheres, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in promoting a destination. Governor Bryan Jr. expressed confidence in her ability to lead the Department of Tourism with both vision and distinction, recognizing that tourism is not merely an economic driver but also a powerful means of storytelling and opportunity creation for the people of the Virgin Islands. Her deep roots in the community and her proven track record in strategic communications will be crucial in elevating the islands' brand and attracting a diverse range of visitors.

Building on Past Successes and Future Horizons

This nomination follows a period of significant growth and transformation for the U.S. Virgin Islands' tourism industry under the leadership of outgoing Commissioner Joseph Boschulte. His tenure saw the USVI emerge as a top-tier Caribbean destination, achieving record-breaking air and cruise arrivals, leading the region in Average Daily Rate (ADR), and launching impactful marketing campaigns that solidified its global standing amidst industry disruptions. Boschulte's contributions were widely recognized, culminating in his honor as Caribbean Tourism Executive of the Year in 2023 at the Caribbean Travel Awards.

Matarangas-King acknowledges the substantial achievements of her predecessor and expresses her commitment to building upon this solid foundation. She recognizes tourism as a potent instrument for shaping the future of the Virgin Islands, driving investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and celebrating the unique identity of the islands. Her focus will be on collaborating with all tourism stakeholders and the dedicated team at the Department of Tourism to further enhance the tourism product, empower local communities, and expand the reach of the USVI as a premier Caribbean destination. The transition period will include guidance and support from Commissioner Boschulte to ensure a seamless handover and continued success.