Arrivals by air have increased an impressive 12.6 percent for February this year.

The Ministry of Tourism and Transport released the figures last night, which show an increase in visitors by air for February as well as for the beginning of the year.

The 12.6 percent increase in February means the total number of visitors was 13,192 visitors while there was a 17.76 percent increase in air arrivals for the beginning of this year which means a total of 23,917 air visitors.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said: "We are very pleased with this final February statistic, as it shows the strength of our Golf and Spa season.

"This definitely proves what can be accomplished when hard work and determination are applied. The results also indicate that the momentum we experienced last year in tourism continues to move along at a record pace."

A spokesperson at the Ministry also confirmed there were no cruise ship arrivals in Bermuda during the month and February and therefore these numbers represent solely air arrivals.