by Mat Churchill

134 Port Douglas businesses have closed their doors in the past four years, according to Tourism Media Group.

A recent review of the company's free business directory and historical database showed that an alarming number of businesses, from single person operations to larger companies with dozens of employees, are no longer operating.

Josh McConnell, operations manager for Tourism Media Group said the figure, while shocking, presents an opportunity for the town. "It's a shame but it shows we need to find new industries to reduce our reliance on tourism," he said.

Doug Calvert, who runs a number of retail stores in town and sits on the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce said local businesses have been trying hard to survive in challenging times.

"What we tend to notice is that businesses come and go (over time). It's a interesting statistic," he said.

"It's not all about the Global Financial Crisis. In general it has been a tough year and 2010 has been down between 5 per cent and 20 per cent on last year, and last year was down by the same on the year prior. People are hanging on by their fingernails," Mr Calvert said.

However Mr Calvert said he was optimistic for the future with the addition of extra flights into Cairns and the ever-growing cruise ship industry.

"Cruise ships are having a big impact on retail in town. Businesses are now saying they want them here," he said, pointing to the initial feeling of apathy many businesses had towards cruise ship passengers.

"I think Port Douglas is the best place to live. There are hard times ahead but it's a great community and we need to make sure that customer satisfaction is the best on earth. We need to make Port the most attractive destination we can."

Mr Calvert said it's up to each individual to convey the right message to potential visitors, and continue to work hard to quell incorrect perceptions of the area, particularly during the wet season.

"Use your phones, social media, and networks to try and downplay the effect of the weather and ensure accurate information is available to the outside world," he said.

Robyn Jarram of Symbiotic Enterprising said residents and business people should be looking to use the services of local companies rather than taking the work out of town.

"There are a number of very significant organisations who reckon they want to see Port Douglas flourish again and who are blaming the lack of tourists (for the downturn). But they are using web-designers, writers, business consultants, marketing experts and who knows what else from Cairns and surrounds.

"I have to ask the question if we are really serious about supporting this town and the livelihoods of those around us, why are we using businesses from Cairns whose quality of work is no better than the quality they can get at their door step?" Ms Jarram said.

"Having operated a very successful business in Melbourne where I utilised the services of a number of business professionals both small and some large, I can confidently say that the service and quality of work provided by our local small businesses is as good as, if not better than bigger suppliers who have a swanky office with a leather sofa in reception."

Ms Jarram used a poignant analogy to demonstrate her point. "Do you think Mother Theresa would've travelled 100km to heal the sick when there were 3,000 of them sitting on her back door step?"

What are your thoughts? What industries should we be attracting to the area? Do you think there is enough support by local people for local businesses?