by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
August 20, 2025
The U.S. Virgin Islands will proceed marking its place as a go-to vacation spot with its new Commissioner of Tourism.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism has accepted Jennifer Matarangas-King’s nomination to steer its tourism development. A local of the Island, Matarangas-King brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her USVI group as she enters this position.
U.S. Virgin Islands’ Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. introduced her appointment at a Authorities Home press briefing Aug. 6, as confirmed in a press launch shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. The Governor emphasised Matarangas-King’s understanding of their cultural heritage and the way this story is amplified by its tourism. He additional remarked on how the general public affairs government will use her skilled background to execute this mission.
“Tourism is greater than our financial system. It’s how we inform our story to the world and create alternative for the folks of the Virgin Islands,” shares Gov. Bryan, Jr. “Jennifer understands that. She is a strategic thinker, a talented communicator, and a proud Virgin Islander with a deep dedication to service. I’m assured that she is going to lead the Division of Tourism with imaginative and prescient and distinction.”
Earlier than this position, Matarangas-King has led departments in strategic communications and public affairs. She additionally gained in depth expertise in organizational management in personal and public spheres, making her a professional option to tackle this new place. Matarangas-King started her profession in public service, working as press secretary to Gov. Roy Schneider. She then continued as public relations director for Sen. Vargrave Richards.
Within the personal realm, she led strategic planning initiatives and company communications for Viya. With the telecommunications serving the U.S. Virgin Islands, her work superior connectivity for residents and residents of the territory, enabling them to attach extra carefully with the world.
The transfer comes because the Virgin Islands break tourism information for the previous yr. Now, Matarangas-King intends to drive tourism and visibility even additional.
Whereas in her management position, she is going to work on behalf of the folks of the USVI throughout the three islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. She goals to additional promote these islands’ pure magnificence, pristine seashores, and vibrant tradition to U.S. residents and worldwide guests.
“I’m honored and humbled to be thought-about for this position,” mentioned Commissioner Matarangas-King. “Tourism is among the strongest instruments we now have to form the way forward for these Virgin Islands. It drives funding, fuels entrepreneurship, and celebrates our identification. I stay up for working alongside our tourism stakeholders and the unimaginable workforce on the Division to raise our product, empower our folks, and increase our attain as a premier Caribbean vacation spot.”
With no passports required for these touring from the USA, with customary U.S. entry rules relevant to international guests, the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to discover its tourism alternatives as a singular getaway.
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