The MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter offers travel, tourism, Caribbean and global news weekly. To share stories, information or intelligence, contact us at [email protected].

August 4, 2025

Jennifer Matarangas King selected to lead USVI Tourism

U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has nominated seasoned communications and public affairs executive Jennifer Matarangas Kingto serve as the next Commissioner of the Department of Tourism.

A native of St. Croix, Matarangas King brings more than 28 years of experience in public relations, government affairs, and strategic leadership across both public and private sectors. She is widely recognized for her impactful tenure at Viya, the Territory’s leading telecommunications provider, where she spearheaded public relations, community engagement and corporate communications.

“Tourism is more than our economy. It is how we tell our story to the world and create opportunity for the people of the Virgin Islands,” said Governor Bryan. “Jennifer understands that. She is a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a proud Virgin Islander with a deep commitment to service. I am confident that she will lead the Department of Tourism with vision and distinction.”

Governor Bryan expressed gratitude to outgoing Commissioner Joseph Boschulte for his years of dedicated service and steady leadership during one of the most transformative periods in the Territory’s tourism history.

The Governor will submit Matarangas King’s nomination to the 36th Legislature for confirmation.

Southwest Airlines announces new St. Thomas routes

Southwest Airlines has confirmed the two U.S. cities from which it will begin service to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in early 2026:

• Orlando (MCO): Daily nonstop roundtrip service launches on February 5, 2026.
• Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): Peak-day routes begin on February 7, 2026.

These routes are now open for booking on Southwest.com, offering nonstop access to St. Thomas from two major mainland hubs

Industry gearing up for SOTIC 2025 in Barbados

The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 will take place from September 30 to October 3 at Hilton Barbados, bringing together leading voices in Caribbean tourism to chart a course for the future.

The conference offers a vital platform for tourism ministers and commissioners, private sector leaders, development partners, and the media to connect, share insights and explore opportunities in emerging sectors.

Held under the forward-looking theme, “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead”, the 2025 program features focused discussions on growth areas such as sports tourism, medical tourism, and health and wellness.

This year’s event will also include the annual Regional Tourism Youth Congress, engaging “Junior Ministers of Tourism” from CTO member countries and territories in a spirited exchange of ideas and solutions from the next generation of tourism leaders. Registration is now open:  www.onecaribbean.org/sotic-2025

Photo Flashback to 2016 in Dallas

Former U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism’s Sales and Marketing Executive Canika John is pictured here with four-time Telly Award and national award-winning multimedia producer, media educator, and National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Vice President — Print Eva Coleman at a USVI travel agent event in Dallas in 2016. The NABJ family will gather this week, August 6-10, 2025, in Cleveland for its 50th Anniversary Convention & Career Fair at the Huntington Convention Center.

Quotable Caribbean

“AI can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s really about making life easier for your team and your guests. We designed this guide to be approachable, with tips and examples that speak directly to the challenges Caribbean hospitality and tourism businesses face every day, and to show how even small steps can lead to meaningful improvements in service, efficiency and competitiveness.” – Christus Gill, Co-Chair, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Technology Task Force

Proverbially West Indian

“If yuh want good, yuh nose haffi run.” (Jamaica)

This Jamaican saying translates to “If you want something good, your nose must run,” meaning that achieving something worthwhile often requires hard work, sacrifice or even discomfort. Whether it’s physical labor, emotional effort or stepping out of your comfort zone, success rarely comes easy. The proverb is a reminder that the path to progress is paved with persistence — and sometimes a little sweat and tears.

Medical Moment

World Alzheimer’s Day – September 21

Observed annually on September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day raises awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia while working to reduce the stigma surrounding these conditions.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. It gradually impairs memory and thinking skills, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult. Globally, an estimated 55 million people live with Alzheimer’s, and one in three older adults dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness.

While there is currently no cure, some approved treatments may help slow disease progression in its early stages. Staying mentally and socially active may also reduce the risk of memory decline.

There are 10 key warning signs and symptoms that may indicate the early onset of dementia. Recognizing these signs early is essential to ensuring individuals receive the care and support they need.

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