Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria left the islands appearing brown and maimed from the beating they gave; however, healing has already begun and the lush green beauty of the islands is returning.  As the USVI continues to forge ahead with its recovery and restoration efforts, travelers are finding the islands well suited for weddings and other gatherings of 25 to 50 people.  Owners of the larger hotels are beginning their rebuilding and are looking forward to the next 18 to 24 months when they can unveil a new and more enhanced product.

Though much damage was caused by the weather events, Commissioner  Nicholson-Doty has enjoyed seeing the spirit of community rise up as many are participating in volunteer tourism programs.  These programs allow fort hose who desire to get involved with the restoration process (locals and travelers) to dedicate a few hours, or a few days, doing various projects such as beach clean ups, farming and replanting, or taking supplies to nearby schools in need.  Medical professionals are also coming to the islands to assist on their vacations.  Such collaborations have proven highly successful and the vacationing volunteers leave enriched with a product and a people they will always remember.

Prior to becoming the Commissioner of Tourism for the USVI, a position she has held for nearly 11 years, Nicholson-Doty served as the president of the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association.  Both positions have given her great respect for the interdependence of tourism and the other departments that she collaborates with.  She deeply enjoys cultivating  these relationships and knows that together they shape tourism and the success of the Territory. The importance of these bonds were wonderfully demonstrated following the hurricanes.

Due to the collective efforts of the USVI's tourism partners, much needed assistance came to the community, aiding those affected.  Women, children, the elderly and injured were able to communicate via a crisis communications website, which was set up for information and emergency help.  Portals that had been put in place made it possible for the cruise lines and airlines to remain in communication, helping visitors' families on the mainland get information concerning their loved ones.  "Having collaborated to get these tools in place proved to be an invaluable asset in the midst of our post-storm activities," said Nicholson-Doty.

When asked about the importance of the USVI's connection to the African-American market segment, the Commissioner asserted: "The African-American market not only has tremendous spending power but African-Americans appreciate the rich cultural heritage of our islands."

The islands were once colonized by the Danish who kept great records of the African ancestry that was brought to the islands, as well as to the United States. At Estate Whim Museum, records and artifacts can be viewed from the time Estate Whim was used as a slave plantation. There is a living museum at the Estate where actors demonstrate how slaves on the plantation made musical instruments, caught fish and masterfully honed their culinary skills.  Also located on the museum's grounds is the Research Library & Archives, where visitors can conduct genealogical and historical research and purchase photographs from the museum's unique photograph collection.

Being the Commissioner of the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands, it isn't surprising that Nicholson-Doty loves doing staycations; spending time on St. John and St. Croix and sailing on the beautiful water, are among her favorite things to do.  However, when she does leave the islands, she enjoys visiting U.S. cities with great history. Savannah, GA; New York; Washington D.C. and the California wine country top her vacation list. Visiting neighboring islands in the region are also important and on her travel lists, as they are all unique and offer a variety of experiences for travelers.  She is also an avid reader, which she noted is one great impression that her grandmother had on her. 

Nicholson-Doty is happily married and has one son. While she does highly enjoy working in the tourism industry, she states that being a mom has been her greatest joy. Over the years, there have been many young people who she also considers a part of her immediate family.  As a leader, Commissioner Nicholson -Doty feels that she has a responsibility to impart into and mentor young people who choose tourism as a first resort for a career.  It is her goal to help bring as many young men and women into the industry while molding their character as they journey towards the future of Virgin Islands leadership.