By the Caribbean Journal staff

American Airlines is adding more service to one of the Caribbean’s hottest travel destinations.

The world’s largest airline has revealed plans to launch a new daily nonstop flight between Miami International Airport and Barbados in December.

The new frequency will be the third daily flight between Miami and Barbados, with operations set to begin Dec. 19 (tickets go on sale May 14).

It’s another big boost for Barbados, which has been one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destinations in recent years, particularly out of the United States market.

“We are ecstatic to see the increase in service from American Airlines, which will add millions in economic impact to Barbados,” said Petra Roach, U.S Director of BTMI, who has been at the forefront of the destination’s strong success in the U.S. in recent years.

Indeed, last year, Barbados welcomed 188,970 U.S. travelers last year, a 30-year high for Barbados.

“We’re thrilled to continue growing our presence in Barbados this coming December with a new seasonal frequency, further strengthening our more than 40-year commitment to this key destination in the Caribbean,” said Alfredo Gonzalez, Managing Director- Caribbean at American Airlines. “With this new route we will now be operating up to four daily flights to Barbados during the winter season from our hubs in Miami and Charlotte.”

Barbados was named luxury destination of the year by Caribbean Journal in the 2017 Caribbean Travel Awards.

“The U.S. is a very important growth market for Barbados and the commitment we’ve seen from our airline partners to increase and enhance flight options is backing this trend,” said Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, the Honorable Richard Sealy. “As we know, ease and accessibility are primary drivers for customers’ consideration of a destination, and with this increased service from the Miami gateway, we anticipate even more success with visitor arrivals from the U.S. market.”