Above: Jamaica (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

MONTEGO BAY — Travel demand for Jamaica is surging in 2014, according to data from Expedia.

Demand for Jamaica hotels on Expedia and Hotels.com rose by almost 20 percent in the first half of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, the company said.

That was boosted by a nearly 130 percent improvement in demand from Brazil, and almost 100 percent growth from the Netherlands.

Additionally, Jamaica saw 95 percent growth from Sweden and 70 percent growth in travel demand from Italy.

The company released the news in the context of this week’s JAPEX tourism conference in Jamaica.

“Jamaica consistently ranks as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations. We’re thrilled that our Jamaican hotel partners continue to report growth and are generating demand via Expedia’s latest technologies, powerful marketing platforms and valuable market intelligence,” said Demetrius Canton, director of lodging partner services for the Caribbean at Expedia. “Attending JAPEX and meeting with industry leaders and valued partners provides our Market Management team with the opportunity to enhance our relationships in the region and further identify the priorities and needs of our partners.”