Published on
November 22, 2025
Jennifer Matarangas-King has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Tourism for the US Virgin Islands, thus opening a new chapter for the continuously growing tourism industry of the territory. The Virgin Islands’ 36th Legislature has confirmed Matarangas-King, whose career is complemented by thirty years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs and leadership. Her coming has really changed the face of the Department of Tourism, as the officials look to capitalize on the territory’s record-breaking rise and view it as a premier Caribbean destination.
A native of St. Croix, Matarangas-King’s background spans both the private and public sectors. Her long-standing dedication to the Virgin Islands is expected to drive tourism development forward in ways that prioritise innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. The tourism department, under her leadership, is committed to ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach all areas of the islands.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Jennifer Matarangas-King has made it clear that her leadership will focus on sustaining the impressive growth the Virgin Islands has witnessed in recent years. Since assuming her role, she has taken swift action to enhance the internal structure of the Department of Tourism, strengthening relationships within the air and sea industries, and collaborating more closely with regional partners.
At the Routes Americas conference and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference, Matarangas-King engaged directly with airline executives and cruise line partners. These meetings have reinforced the Virgin Islands’ leadership position within the Caribbean tourism sector, with a special emphasis on fostering regional collaboration to boost airlift and cruise capacity.
As the tourism sector continues to evolve, Matarangas-King’s focus on sustainable growth is expected to ensure that the Virgin Islands remains competitive while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage. With an eye on expanding air routes and enhancing cruise development, the Virgin Islands is set to attract more visitors, further cementing its status as a world-class destination.
Workforce Expansion and Community Engagement
Matarangas-King has also turned her attention to local workforce development, a key aspect of her strategy to strengthen the tourism sector. Under her leadership, the Department of Tourism has focused on organisational efficiency, with new hires in St. Croix and restructuring efforts in St. Thomas aimed at improving departmental performance.
In addition to workforce expansion, Matarangas-King has worked to foster greater community involvement in tourism. One of her standout initiatives is the WOW Wednesday programme, a collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands. This initiative engages students in career development opportunities within the tourism sector, nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals and promoting a deeper connection between locals and the industry.
Through the Vested Interest campaign, Matarangas-King is encouraging the community to take pride in the success of the tourism industry and understand its role in driving the territory’s economy. This campaign is designed to bolster local engagement and create a sense of ownership over the territory’s tourism achievements.
Paving the Way for Future Developments
Matarangas-King’s appointment also sets the stage for expanding the Virgin Islands’ global presence in the tourism market. By reaffirming the Department’s participation in major international trade shows such as IPW, Seatrade, and World Travel Market, the Virgin Islands will continue to showcase its tourism potential to key global stakeholders. These events offer invaluable networking opportunities for the territory to form partnerships with industry leaders and strengthen its position in the competitive global tourism market.
Additionally, Matarangas-King has indicated that her strategic focus will be on maintaining the momentum built during the tenure of former Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, who oversaw a period of significant growth and visibility for the territory. The continuity of efforts between these two leadership appointments is expected to yield long-term benefits for the Virgin Islands’ tourism industry, laying the foundation for future expansion and development.
Strengthening Virgin Islands as a Leading Caribbean Destination
The appointment of Jennifer Matarangas-King as Commissioner of Tourism represents a bold step forward for the Virgin Islands. With a clear focus on innovation, sustainability, and community involvement, her leadership will undoubtedly drive the territory’s tourism sector to new heights.
Through enhanced airlift, cruise development, and workforce initiatives, the Virgin Islands is poised to remain a top-tier Caribbean destination. With her wealth of experience and commitment to sustainable tourism, Matarangas-King is prepared to continue building on the successes of the past while shaping a bright future for the Virgin Islands’ tourism industry.
Matarangas-King’s leadership will be very important for the island’s future as the area becomes more and more popular and economically important. She has already proposed a plan for the future that will not only continue but also increase the Virgin Islands’ attractiveness as a high-end tourist spot for a long time to come.
