By the Caribbean Journal staff

Barbados tourism is surging, and it’s about to get another big lift from American Airlines.

The carrier has announced plans to launch daily nonstop flights between Charlotte and Barbados beginning Dec. 19.

The new flight comes after American announced it would be adding a third daily flight from Miami to Barbados, also in December.

The new Treasure Beach adults-only hotel in Barbados.

Barbados welcomed a record 188,970 U.S. visitors last year, with a continued boom so far in 2018, tourism officials said.

“Our airline partners have been instrumental in the growth of visitation from the United States. This new service signals tremendous confidence in Barbados and constitutes a 100 percent increase in seat capacity into and out of the island.” said Barbados’ newly-appointed Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Kerrie Symmonds. “Increased service to these important cities will help to ensure another year of record passenger arrivals to our destination.”

The Atlantis hotel on Barbados’ rugged east coast.

It’s the latest new route to Barbados, as more carriers have introduces flights to the Caribbean island out of U.S. hubs including Fort Lauderdale, Boston and Newark.

“One month after announcing additional service to Barbados from our Miami hub, we’re thrilled to continue growing our presence in the island with new daily service from our Charlotte hub, both operating during the winter,” said Alfredo Gonzalez, managing director for the Caribbean at American Airlines. “As the demand continues to grow over the years, today we’re proud to serve as the leading U.S. airline in the island with up to 28 weekly flights.”

Bathsheba, Barbados.

Tickets for the new route went on sale last week.