A big increase in traffic

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

The Expedia Group has reported a 20 percent increase in travel demand to Saint Lucia in the first quarter of 2015, with a 25 percent increase for four- and five star hotels, the company said.

St Lucia has experienced a 25 percent increase in package books –bringing the package share up to 50 percent – and has reached a 25 percent share in mobile booking, as more and more guests making their travel plans on the go.

“St Lucia has always been an important Caribbean destination for the Expedia group, and to highlight that we now have a dedicated team member based locally in St. Lucia,” said Demetrius Canton, Director of Lodging Partner Services for the Caribbean, the Expedia group. “Between our global reach, technology investments and our local market presence, we’ve enhanced our ability to effectively serve our partners and support the continued growth of this destination.”

Expedia continues to expand its presence in St Lucia, adding 50 new partners on the island this year, bringing the total to over 130.

The group’s market management team is attending the St Lucia North American Showcase next weekend at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa and Beach, where they will meet with travel partners to discuss successes in the region and work on strategies for increasing visibility and incremental demand.