Jennifer Matarangas-King Assumes USVI Tourism Leadership

The U.S. Virgin Islands has a new Commissioner of Tourism, Jennifer Matarangas-King, officially sworn in to lead the territory’s tourism strategy and initiatives.

Swearing-In Ceremony and Leadership Transition

Jennifer Matarangas-King was formally sworn in on January 15 at Government House on St. Croix following confirmation by the 36th Legislature in November 2025. The ceremony was attended by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., family members, government officials, and former tourism commissioners, signaling a unified transition at the head of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

Appointed by the governor in August 2025 and confirmed later that year, Matarangas-King takes responsibility for steering marketing, community engagement, and development efforts across the three main islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Early statements from the department emphasize a focus on strengthening internal capacity and expanding local partnerships.

Immediate Priorities

The new leadership has outlined a set of immediate priorities aimed at stabilizing and energizing tourism operations within the territory. These actions are designed to support sustainable visitor growth while reinforcing local participation in tourism-related activities.

• Staffing and leadership appointments across the department’s island offices to ensure coordinated implementation of programs.
• Community partnerships with institutions such as the University of the Virgin Islands and cultural organizations to better align tourism offerings with local identity.
• Feeder market marketing to maintain and expand interest from key source markets while optimizing advertising and outreach spend.
• Enhanced local engagement to create tourism benefits that are shared by island residents and business owners.

Organizational Actions and Strategy

Since taking office, the Department has prioritized internal development: recruiting talent, filling leadership roles on each island, and reaffirming its commitment to community-driven tourism. These moves are meant to increase operational efficiency and responsiveness to both visitor needs and local stakeholders.

Public statements highlight a continued emphasis on traditional marketing channels in primary source markets, paired with a renewed push for locally rooted initiatives — such as cultural programming and events — to diversify the visitor experience and extend stay lengths.

Department Priorities — Snapshot

Context: Tourism’s Role in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Tourism is a cornerstone of the U.S. Virgin Islands economy, shaping employment, small business opportunities, and public revenue. Historically, the territory’s attractiveness has been anchored by its beaches, marinas, and marine recreation — all of which draw sun-seekers, boating enthusiasts, and cruise visitors alike.

Past commissioners have balanced recovery efforts after storms, infrastructure investment, and destination marketing. Jennifer Matarangas-King follows leaders such as Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Joseph Boschulte, inheriting both ongoing programs and relationships with private-sector partners. Building on prior initiatives, the department intends to preserve continuity while seeking fresh avenues for sustainable growth.

Historical Highlights

• Longstanding dependence on marine and coastal tourism, including yachting and cruise itineraries.
• Recurrent challenges from natural hazards that prompted resilience and infrastructure upgrades.
• Progressive efforts to involve local institutions in tourism product development.

Implications for Boating, Yachting, and Charter Activity

The USVI’s natural assets — sheltered harbors, clearwater bays, and extensive coastline — make it a high-demand destination for sailing, yachting, and charter boating. Leadership changes at the Department of Tourism can influence how marinas, charter operators, and waterfront businesses are supported, promoted, and regulated.

Stronger local engagement and partnership with educational institutions can also translate into workforce development for marine industries: trained captains, deckhands, and hospitality staff who can enhance the visitor experience on water-based activities. Emphasis on feeder markets and targeted marketing may further attract higher-value visitors, including yacht and superyacht clients, boosting demand for charters and marina services.

Potential Impacts on Marine Tourism Stakeholders

• Charter operators may see increased visibility if marketing budgets prioritize yachting segments.
• Marinas and port authorities could benefit from coordinated planning and investment to handle larger yachts and enhance berthing services.
• Local businesses offering fishing, diving, and boating excursions stand to gain from amplified community-driven tourism products.

Looking Forward: Forecast and Priorities

With tourism central to the territory’s economic outlook, continuity in marketing and an emphasis on local partnerships are likely to support resilient growth. Expect the Department to pursue a mix of traditional market outreach and community-based programs, alongside efforts to strengthen the marine tourism value chain — from captains and charter companies to marina operators and waterfront hospitality.

Success will depend on sustained collaboration among government, educational institutions, and private-sector stakeholders, as well as on the territory’s ability to protect and showcase its natural marine assets in a way that benefits residents and visitors alike.

In summary, Jennifer Matarangas-King’s appointment signals a renewed focus on internal capacity building, community engagement, and targeted marketing across the U.S. Virgin Islands. These priorities are positioned to reinforce the territory’s role as a premier destination for beachgoers, sailing enthusiasts, and boating operators. For travelers and industry professionals seeking yacht charters, boat rent options, marinas, or other water-based activities across sea and ocean destinations, GetBoat.com is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, likely the best service for boat rentals to suit every taste and budget, helping connect visitors with charter captains, superyacht options, fishing trips, and local boating experiences in clearwater bays and popular gulf and island destinations.