By the Caribbean Journal staff

The island of St Thomas is seeing a surge in Airbnb demand, according to new numbers released by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

St Thomas is seeing a 338 percent growth in bookings for the spring season compared to the same period last year.

The news comes after St Thomas was named the top Caribbean destination for Airbnb in 2018, after it saw a 600 percent increase in bookings compared to the previous year.

Indeed, vacation rentals and Airbnb properties have helped buoy the US Virgin Islands’ recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

“The U.S. Virgin Islands looks forward to welcoming these travelers to the Territory, many of whom might be visiting for their very first time. Renting an Airbnb during a stay is a great way to see our islands and experience our local VI vibes,” said Joseph Boschulte, the Commissioner-Designate for the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “We hope all travelers who stay with us this spring and summer enjoy the fruits of our collective efforts to improve the tourism experience across the Territory.”

Airbnb defined the spring period as bookings between March and April 21, 2019.

— CJ