FLIGHT FIGURES for June so far at Phuket International Airport contradict reports in a national newspaper that the island's arrival total was a mere 44 percent of the figure for the same period last year.

If anything, Phuket seems to be pulling through the lowest point of the so-called ''low'' season quite well, at least in terms of comparisons with the same month in 2009 and 2008.

Resort managers have mixed views about June so far. As the low-season month when the fewest number of tourists come and go (popularly known as ''the pits'') and with this year's additional hardship of cancellations forced by the rash of needless travel alerts, the consensus appears to be that June isn't as bad as it might have been.

At least one boutique resort, a relatively new brand with a good track record, says it's even a bit better than last June. ''Not bad'' is probably an accurate summary.

One five-star resort was, all things considered, content to have 30 percent occupancy. The expectations of others are that figures should be 60 percent or more.

While some resorts believe that it's all about slashing rates as much as necessary to keep the customers coming, other resorts are offering extras and trying to maintain rates at a reasonably high level.

Discerning travellers these days book much later than they once did and haggle to get the best possible deal.

But back to those passenger and flight figures.

Between June 1-23, a total of 286,857 travellers arrived and departed from Phuket International Airport. With a week to go, last year's total for the month of 341,923 comings and goings looks as though it will be surpassed. The June 2008 tally of 374,111 may even be under threat.

Optimists will be pleased to see Brand Phuket performing so well, despite the travel alerts and the Bangkok violence.

July usually brings increased passenger and flight traffic that should rise consistently later this year, barring accidents, revolts, pandemics, disasters, health scares, global downturns, acts of terrorism and volcanic ash clouds, as the government's strategic plan to assist recovery takes effect.

Fears that the World Cup might keep people at home appear to have not been realised. Phuket is alive and kicking.