RESORTS and tour operators gave the Andaman Travel Trade fair a big tick today as Phuketwan surveyed more than 30 of the 140 booths on display at Central Festival.

Bargains are going for people who visit the show on Saturday or Sunday. Want a special price on a tour or a resort? This weekend is your big chance.

Nonthasak Marine, for example, is offering day trips to Koh Kai that usually cost 1500 baht for 800 baht.

More overseas buyers have been attracted to Phuket for the fair than to the previous one in Bangkok. Among exhibitors are familiar names and new ones.

JW Marriott Khao Lak is there, along with Phuket's Cape Sienna, the Chedi, Novotel, Patong's Duangjitt Resort, Phang Nga's Kuraburi Greenview, Bundarika, the Metropole in Phuket City, Khao Lak Seaview, Khao Lak Oriental, BanThai and the Patong Resort.

The large space on the first and third floors at Central works well for displays. Anyone planning a short trip to Phang Nga, for example, can talk to representatives of various resorts and glean first-hand information.

For those who love spas, a map of the island's top spas is now available, produced by the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office.

Local officials and dignitaries were there today for the official opening and the first day, which is open to the trade only.

Tomorrow and Sunday, the fair is open from 10am.