by Mat Churchill

Business confidence amongst retailers is at a high at present, thanks mainly to an influx of tourists from across the ditch.

New Zealanders are coming to Port in their droves according to Kelly McNamara, a Port Douglas retailer of 23 years from In Port Shoes.

"We are seeing much more business from cashed up New Zealanders," she said. "There seems to be a lot more flights from there, and the cold weather down south also helps.

"Business is ten times better than last year and there seems to be a lot of conferences in town too."

These sentiments are echoed by Tshinta's Julie Bell, Port Douglas' longest continual retailer. "Last year was a great year, but this year is awesome."

And it's not just retailers who are noticing the improvement, tour sales have also risen.

"This is the busiest year in the three years I've worked here," said Mowana from the Port Douglas Tourist Information Centre.

"We are getting heaps of customers from New Zealand. And lots more people doing self-drive tours than usual," she said.

Doug Calvert of the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce, and prominent local retailer himself said things are definitely on the improve.

"This year is much better than we expected. Things slowed during the election for some reason but there is a degree of optimism among retailers."

So much so that Doug is opening a fourth store this weekend - The Port Douglas T-Shirt Company, on the corner of the Saltwater building in Macrossan Street.

But it seems that the area continues to be hurt by negative media reports from the south.

Both Julie and Kelly commented that media outlets provide inaccurate information, especially when it comes to cyclonic activity.

"Media across the country has had a hugely negative impact, especially for us around Easter when April is usually a busy month" Julie said.

"There's always negative press in Brisbane and the Gold Coast talking about crocs and stingers and cyclones," Kelly added.

So do you agree that it has been a good high season for the area? Let us know your thoughts and comment away.