OUTRIGGER, the resort management brand that has made Phuket its Asia hub, says occupancy is ''back in the high 80s'' for July after a slower April and May . . . and probably a June that was so forgettable it wasn't worth mentioning.

Senior Vice President (Asia) Darren Edmonstone met Phuket Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob today to formally recognise the island as the Outrigger Enterprises Group regional HQ for future expansion across Asia. The group has Board of Investment support.

While the brand only has the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas under its care on Phuket at present, Mr Edmonstone said there were eight or nine properties in Asia ''operating or under development'' among a total of 50 Outrigger projects amounting to 12,000 rooms worldwide.

The Hawaii-based brand, which arrived on the island two years back, now has premises of its own at Plaza Del Mar in Cherng Talay, close to the entrance to Laguna Phuket.

''We are resort specialists,'' Mr Edmonstone said. ''We think Phuket is one of the premier resort destinations within Asia, and we are very happy to help Phuket grow.''

Both he and Outrigger were ''very optimistic about the future.''

''Occupancy is going well,'' Mr Edmonstone said. ''We had a slower April that we expected, and a slower May, but the figures are bouncing back. We're in the high 80s for July and that's growing, and that will continue into the high season.''

The governor said Phuket was an international destination, and mentioned the quarterly meetings with the honorary consuls as a sign of Phuket's awareness of the importance of the tourism industry.

The going rate until November at Outrigger Laguna Phuket for Thais and expats with a work permit or residential qualifications is 4750 baht net.