HONOLULU -- Hawaii’s visitor industry is looking a little brighter.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority gave its spring update at the Hawaii Convention Center last week and expressed cautious optimism about a possible recovery. The state saw a 2 percent increase in visitors to the island in January compared to the same time last year. December saw a 2.4 percent increase.

The HTA believes last year’s strong finish will give the industry momentum through this year. “In particular, Korea is showing great signs,” said HTA V.P of Marketing, David Uchiyama. “We’re up 44.2 percent in 2009, in a year where H1N1 and the financial crisis hit most of the markets.”

Uchiyama said the economy and visa waivers greatly contributed to the huge gains in the South Korean market. He hopes the visa waivers help boost the lucrative convention, meeting and incentive markets.

“Visa waiver was a hurdle for bringing a large group over here and not being sure if you could bring all of your attendees through that visa process,” Uchiyama said.

The HTA has been targeting the southeast Asian market and believes Hawaii is finally becoming a new venue for its convention and tour markets.

Another bright spot is the U.S. west coast.

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau launched an ad campaign up and down the west coast in effort to increase tourism from west coast cities. “We’ve seen tremendous spikes in online activity for gohawaii.com and just overall feedback from tour operators and airlines in terms of increase in call volume to reservation centers,” Uchiyama said.

The visitor industry is also excited about Allegiant Airline and Travel Company entering the market. The low cost airline and tour company will add hundreds of airline seats into Hawaii.

Uchiyama said Allegiant Airline will complement routes already covered by long-time carriers like Hawaiian Airlines. Allegiant may fly from second or third tier cities like Spokane, Washington and Eugene, Ore. “Non-stop service from these areas creates convenience,” said Uchiyama.

HTA hopes that convenience will also attract more visitors seeking a beautiful, easy-to-get-to leisure destination.