Sharon Flax-Brutus has an extensive background in the hospitality and tourism industry, having worked in various sectors over the last 30+ years. She is currently the Managing Partner of Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals, a villa management company with a portfolio of 35+ properties. She is also the owner of White Oleander Destination and Executive Chairperson of the BVI Yachting Hotel & Tourism Association.

From 2013 to 2020, Sharon was Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands where she was responsible for policy making and strategy formulation for the development of the BVI tourism industry and influential in reestablishing the BVI as a discerning travel destination.  Under her supervision, the territory achieved record setting tourism arrivals and strengthened relationships with industry stakeholders globally.

For 12 years, she held senior management positions at the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort in Virgin Gorda. She was a travel advisor in Las Vegas, Station Manager for American Eagle in the BVI and for many years oversaw the operations of her family-owned tourism business.

Sharon calls herself a Tourism Experience Curator because of the joy she gets from creating personalized experiences for villa guests and clients to ensure they leave Virgin Gorda with lasting memories.

She is also a community leader and activist and Chair of the Virgin Gorda Recovery Operations Center (VGROC). Sharon has dedicated her time to focusing on the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage, through community involvement.  This includes pro-active projects in partnership with the government and the private sector such as beautification projects and spearheading active participation in island wide cleanups.

When asked what the driving force is behind her involvement in the tourism industry, Sharon says, “Teamwork makes the dream work.  I have a passion for the community, and the destination. It warms my heart when I see community collaboration working to strengthen sustainability in the tourism industry”.