Beverly Nicholson-Doty, the new Commissioner of Tourism for the US Virgin Islands

In making his selection, deJongh said he desired to fill the critical cabinet post with "someone who had a genuine understanding of  the hospitality industry and was dedicated to the promotion and marketing of the islands' natural attributes which for years have attracted visitors to our shores, yet has a deep understanding of its economic development potential ." 

The governor added, "Beverly Nicholson-Doty is the ideal person for this assignment."

Nicholson-Doty comes to the position with 14 years at the helm of the St Thomas- St John Hotel and Tourism Association.
 
In 2000, the new Tourism Commissioner was selected as the Executive Director of the Year by the Caribbean Hotel Association. She served three consecutive terms as Vice President of the Caribbean Society Hotel Association Executives.

Nicholson-Doty began her career as a hotel reservations clerk, and rose quickly through the ranks.

The governor said, "She possesses a wealth of experience within the hospitality industry and in establishing policy initiatives to effect the brand enhancement required to heighten our visibility and effect organizational changes in the tourism infrastructure."
 
On Thursday, Nicholson-Doty thanked the Governor for his confidence in her abilities to lead the agency which drives the territory's economy. "Our islands are an incredible destination with such rich and varied offerings," and, "It is an exciting time to market the United States Virgin islands." 

Nicholas-Doty concluded her acceptance remarks with the statement,"This opportunity comes with great responsibility to the people of the Virgin Islands, it is with great humility that I accept  the nomination for Commissioner of Tourism."