Jan. 11, 2007 — Gov. John deJongh Jr. announced Thursday that longtime hospitality industry executive Beverly Nicholson-Doty has agreed to accept the position of Commissioner of Tourism, according to a Government House release.
In making his selection, deJongh said he desired to fill that critical post in his cabinet with a person who had a genuine understanding of the hospitality industry and was dedicated to the promotion and marketing of the islands’ natural attributes.
“Beverly Nicholson-Doty is the ideal person for this assignment,” deJongh added. "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."
The release continues: "She comes to government service following almost 14 years at the helm of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel & Tourism Association, where she served many of those years as executive director.
Nicholson-Doty has also been recognized for her vision and marketing insight. She was selected as Executive Director of the Year in 2000 by the Caribbean Hotel Association. She has served three consecutive terms as vice president of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives, a position that is voted on by her counterparts in the Caribbean region."
Nicholson-Doty thanked deJongh, adding, "Our islands are an incredible destination with such rich and varied offerings."
According to Nicholson-Doty, she is proudest of two hotel-and-tourism initiatives: the Student Internship Program and the unification of both districts of Hotel and Tourism Associations.
The internship program encourages students to consider employment options available in the industry. Nicholson-Doty also pointed out that the cohesiveness of both associations strengthens the entire hotel product of the Virgin Islands, while recognizing the unique marketing qualities of each island.
She is married to Randall Doty and has one son, Paris O. Nicholson IV.
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