Jennifer Matarangas-King’s Unstoppable Vision Set to Revolutionize US Virgin Islands Tourism—Get Ready for the Next Big Boom

Published on November 21, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The U.S. Virgin Islands is about to witness a tourism renaissance, and it all starts with the confirmation of Jennifer Matarangas-King as the Commissioner of Tourism. As of November 20, 2025, Matarangas-King’s leadership was officially approved by the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and this move is set to propel the Territory’s tourism industry into its next chapter of global prominence. The Territory, already making waves as a Caribbean destination, is gearing up for a wave of innovation, growth, and community engagement under her strategic leadership.

Matarangas-King’s Leadership Brings a Bold Vision

Jennifer Matarangas-King, a native of St. Croix, has decades of experience in communications, public affairs, and organizational leadership. Her 30-year career across both the private and public sectors is a testament to her unmatched expertise and her ability to adapt to ever-changing industry trends. Now, as the Commissioner of Tourism, her focus is sharp—strengthening internal structures, building sustainable relationships within the air and sea industries, and fostering collaboration with key local and international partners. The Territory’s tourism is primed for a breakthrough, thanks to her passion for growth and change.

Immediate Action on the Ground—Matarangas-King Gets to Work Fast

In her first 90 days in office, Matarangas-King wasted no time rolling up her sleeves and taking immediate action. Her swift focus on internal restructuring within the Department of Tourism, paired with a laser-like focus on workforce expansion, shows her commitment to improving every aspect of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ tourism infrastructure. One of her earliest accomplishments was bolstering relations with the air and sea industries, including meeting with top airline executives at Routes Americas and engaging with cruise line partners during key global conferences. These actions have helped solidify the U.S. Virgin Islands as a leader in Caribbean tourism.

From St. Croix to the World—Jennifer Matarangas-King’s Vision of Global Tourism Leadership

With Matarangas-King at the helm, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ tourism is not only about local growth—it’s about global visibility. Matarangas-King understands that for the U.S. Virgin Islands to compete at the highest level, it needs a robust presence at global trade shows and tourism events. Her commitment to ensuring that the Territory participates in major international conferences like Seatrade, World Travel Market, and IPW further strengthens the U.S. Virgin Islands’ position on the global tourism map. But her focus doesn’t stop there—she’s also working hard to cultivate local pride in tourism through initiatives like the “Vested Interest” campaign, which aims to deepen community engagement and ownership of the tourism industry.

Workforce Expansion & Organizational Efficiency Under Matarangas-King

Tourism is more than just an industry for the U.S. Virgin Islands—it’s the heart and soul of the economy. That’s why Matarangas-King has focused on ensuring the Department of Tourism is not just functioning, but thriving. With an eye on both efficiency and expansion, she has implemented significant changes, including hiring new staff in St. Croix and restructuring operations in St. Thomas. These actions aim to ensure that every visitor has the best experience possible when they arrive in the Territory. Her leadership is built on the principles of accountability and collaboration, ensuring that every facet of the tourism sector works in harmony.

A Bold New Future for Tourism Careers—The WOW Wednesday Initiative

Matarangas-King’s leadership doesn’t just stop at administrative changes. She is deeply committed to investing in the future of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ tourism industry. A key example of this is the “WOW Wednesday” initiative, a new partnership between the Department of Tourism and the University of the Virgin Islands. This initiative seeks to promote tourism career development among students and give them the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the tourism sector. With Matarangas-King’s focus on fostering a strong, homegrown workforce, the U.S. Virgin Islands is poised to cultivate a new generation of tourism professionals ready to drive the industry forward.

Sustainability & Growth—Matarangas-King’s Long-Term Vision

As U.S. Virgin Islands tourism continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, sustainability remains a top priority. Matarangas-King is committed to balancing growth with responsible tourism practices that preserve the Territory’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. With global tourism trends increasingly moving toward sustainability and eco-conscious travel, her leadership will focus on enhancing the destination’s appeal to the eco-tourism market. By building strong partnerships with local and regional stakeholders, Matarangas-King aims to ensure that the U.S. Virgin Islands can continue to attract visitors while keeping its environmental impact in check.

A Legacy of Leadership—Building on Success

Matarangas-King steps into her role following the leadership of Joseph Boschulte, who helped steer the U.S. Virgin Islands through a period of historic growth. Now, with Matarangas-King in charge, the Department of Tourism is prepared to build on this legacy and reach new heights. Her strategic vision for the future includes expanding on the successes of her predecessors and focusing on targeted marketing campaigns, airlift development, and strengthening cruise tourism. Her approach is holistic, aiming to deliver results across all sectors of the tourism industry and benefit every corner of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Community Engagement: The Cornerstone of Matarangas-King’s Leadership

Community involvement is at the heart of Matarangas-King’s vision for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through initiatives like the “Vested Interest” campaign, she is ensuring that locals feel invested in the success of tourism and are active participants in shaping its future. By fostering a sense of pride and accountability, Matarangas-King is not only promoting sustainable growth but also helping to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt throughout the community.

What’s Next for the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Looking ahead, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ tourism industry is set to enter an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Jennifer Matarangas-King. The steps she has taken in her first months in office have already begun to bear fruit, with new partnerships, stronger relationships with key industry players, and a more streamlined Department of Tourism. As she continues to focus on growth, sustainability, and community engagement, the U.S. Virgin Islands is poised to become one of the world’s top travel destinations.