Above: Antigua (Caribbean Journal photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Travel demand for Antigua grew by more than 45 percent in the first quarter of 2014, according to a new report from Expedia.

Demand was measured as garnered by Expedia and Hotes.com for Antigua hotels.

The country showed particular growth out of foreign markets like Italy, which showed 125 percent growth, France, with more than 155 percent growth and Russia, which saw a 40 percent increase in bookings to Antigua.

The United States continues to be the top feeder market for Antigua, and saw growth of 55 percent in the first quarter.

The United Kingdom and Canada saw growth of 50 and 9 percent, respectively.

“Many of our valued hotel partners in Antigua have capitalized on Expedia, Inc.’s multiple platforms to secure increased visibility and incremental demand for their properties and ultimately the destination,” said Demetrius Canton, director of market management in the Caribbean for Expedia.