PHUKET: Tourism officials are confident that Phuket will have a strong February, with resort occupancy already running at 80 percent so far for the month.

''We hope the people coming for Chinese New Year (February 9-10) will opt to stay on for Valentine's Day (February 14) and the Old Phuket Town Festival (February 15-17),'' said Chanchai Doungjit, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket Office.

Chinese, Malaysians and Singaporeans are expected to choose Phuket in large numbers for their February Chinese New Year breaks, said Khun Chanchai.

About 300,000 visitors are expected to come specifically for the New Year and associated celebrations.

''We expect a boost in the amount that people spend, too,'' Khun Chanchai said. ''We expect most visitors to spend about 8000 baht a day, which is double the usual amount.''

The return of the popular Old Phuket Town Festival is calculated to cash in on the February tourism market.

Most of the roads in central Old Phuket Town will turn into walking streets in the evenings, with street performers and plenty of food.

The festival opens with a parade from 5pm on February 15.