Visitor arrivals and spending rose in February, but the year-over-year gain was deceptive because leap year added another day.

Visitor arrivals rose 4.1 percent to 688,794 visitors and spending increased 4.8 percent to $1.25 billion, according to statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. February’s performance helped push year-to-date arrivals up 5.2 percent to 1.4 million

“February was a strong month for Hawaii’s visitor industry, with the bonus of leap year adding an extra day for businesses statewide to generate revenue,” said HTA President and CEO George Szigeti said.

Since last month had 29 days as compared to 28 in February 2015, the HTA turned to per-day measures to get a more accurate comparison of this year to last. Results on a per-day basis this February were less robust than they were last year. Total per day visitor spending was $43.3 million, a gain of just 1.2 percent from February 2015. Per-day visitor arrivals were flat from a year ago at 218, 150 visitors.

Szigeti said visitors from the U.S. West, who spent $14.3 million and U.S. East, who spent $11.2 million, led February’s average daily visitor spending.These markets comprised nearly 60 percent of the $43.3 million average daily visitor spending.

“We are maximizing the use of our marketing resources to promote the Hawaii visitor experience and connect with travelers planning their next vacation,” Szigeti said. “Global competition for travel consumers is intense, and we appreciate all the support of Hawaii’s industry partners as they market the islands in selling their accommodations, products and services.”