By Dana Niland and Alexander Britell

Americans are flocking to Barbados.

That’s the news from the island’s tourism industry, with the destination’s big marketing push in North America seeming to pay off.

Barbados reported 8.8 percent growth in stayover visitors from the United States in the first half of 2018 , the fastest growth rate of any source market to Barbados this year.

The new Treasure Beach adults-only hotel in Barbados.

In all, 107,328 stayover visitors from the United States came to Barbados in the first half of 2018.

It was part of a solid first half for the destination, as new airlift, new experiences and a refreshed product seemed to translate into increased tourism business for Barbados.

Newly released figures show that the island is continuing its path of positive growth in 2018, attracting 357,668 stayover visitors for the period of January to June.

Bathsheba, Barbados.

When compared to the corresponding period in 2017, there were 10,819 additional visitors to the island, adding up to an increase of 3.1 percent.

The United Kingdom remained the largest tourism source market for Barbados, with over 119,241 arrivals, up 2.8 percent from 2017.

Over in Canada, 53,236 arrivals were recorded, seeing this market grow by 2.9 percent when compared to 2017.

“There’s pressure to keep improving and to remain competitive as we continue to grow our brand,” he added. “We must be strategic in our efforts, and now, more than ever, we must focus on our key relationships,” said CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. William ‘Billy’ Griffith. “Which is why over the next six months, you will see us working even more closely with our partners to ensure these trends continue through the upcoming winter period and beyond.”

— CJ