Jennifer Matarangas-King Begins Term as U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism

The U.S. Virgin Islands has a new tourism leader: Jennifer Matarangas-King was sworn in as Commissioner of the Department of Tourism, signaling fresh priorities for community engagement and destination promotion.

Leadership and mandate at a glance

Jennifer Matarangas-King assumed the role after confirmation by the 36th Legislature, following her appointment by Governor Albert Bryan Jr.. Her early focus is on strengthening internal capacity within the Department of Tourism across St. Croix, St. Thomas, и St. John, filling leadership positions and fostering partnerships with local institutions such as the University of the Virgin Islands и VI/PR Friendship Day Committee.

Immediate priorities

• Team building: Expanding staff and appointing leaders across the islands.
• Local engagement: Increasing collaboration with community organizations and educational institutions.
• Market focus: Continuing promotion in key feeder markets while boosting resident involvement.
• Sustainable growth: Balancing visitor arrivals with community well-being and business development.

What the new commissioner’s agenda means for travel and transfers

A tourism leader’s decisions ripple through the entire visitor experience, from airport arrival to island-to-island movement. Under Matarangas-King’s stewardship, several areas will likely draw attention that matter to passengers, drivers, and transfer companies alike.

Practical impacts on taxi and transfer services

How drivers and companies can prepare

• Monitor seasonal marketing campaigns to predict demand spikes.
• Offer clear, exact pricing and flexible booking options to attract visitors.
• Ensure drivers hold valid licenses and vehicles meet safety standards to build traveler trust.
• Highlight availability of private and multi-seater options for groups and families.

Community partnerships and sustainable tourism

By deepening ties with local organizations and the university, the Department aims to integrate residents into tourism planning. This helps ensure that tourism benefits reach local businesses, including small taxi firms and independent drivers who provide crucial last-mile connections for visitors.

Benefits for the local transport ecosystem

Stronger collaboration with community stakeholders can lead to better training programs for drivers, clearer standards for service and fare transparency, and opportunities for local operators to participate in official tourism programs. For travelers, this means more reliable options for airport transfers, private car hires, and pre-booked services that reduce uncertainty at arrival.

Looking ahead: a brief forecast

On a global scale, this appointment is not a major upheaval, but it is relevant regionally: renewed local engagement and targeted marketing could modestly boost arrivals from feeder markets and strengthen the U.S. Virgin Islands’ niche as an accessible Caribbean destination. For the transfer and taxi market, that translates into steady demand growth and greater opportunity for professionalized, transparent services.

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In summary, Jennifer Matarangas-King’s swearing-in marks a moment of renewed focus for the U.S. Virgin Islands’ tourism strategy, centering on community partnerships, leadership across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, and sustained marketing in feeder markets. For travelers and transport providers, the likely outcomes include clearer fare practices, more predictable demand at the airport and across the islands, and better options for private transfers and group travel. Whether you need a taxi, a private car to the airport, or a multi-seater transfer, transparent service, exact pricing and the ability to view vehicle make, model and driver ratings help you get the best fare and the right seat at the right time—qualities LocalsRide.com supports worldwide by making it easy to book a car, compare prices, and hire licensed drivers for your destination.