Support is being gathered in a campaign to attract the 7 Network's morning show presenter, David Koch, to Port Douglas in a bid to promote the area to his viewing audience.

Century 21 Port Douglas' Soula Kazakis is behind the push to bring 'Kochie' and his Sunrise program to town, and is urging business owners to get behind the cause.

"During the past two years, our town has suffered economically more than most in Australia, and probably will continue to do so for the next couple of years.

"We've initiated contact with Kochie in an attempt to convince him to visit Port Douglas and assist us with some positive publicity," she said.

"I've been twittering Kochie for the last eight months and he's very in the know about what's going on. "

Ms Kazakis cited a number of factors for the downturn in the local economy including the effect of the Global Financial Crisis, the soaring Aussie dollar sending holiday makers overseas, and the "snowballing" effect of decreased spending in the area causing hardship for many businesses.

"Due to a decreasing number of tourists and lesser spending by those who visit, there's been a drastic effects on this town.

"Investment returns are down, businesses have closed, others are having difficulty surviving, real estate values have decreased from 25% to 60%, holiday complexes and invest properties are struggling and evidence prevails to indicate unemployment numbers are rising, the primary school enrolment numbers are down and an exodus of locals and workers continues.

"A lot of people have contacted me and said it's a great idea. We can no longer sit on our hands and wait for our tourist bodies to do something."
 
Ms Kazakis wants local businesses to write a letter on business letterhead asking for Kochie and his crew from Sunrise to see a Port Douglas sunrise..

Letters can be emailed to marketing@c21portdouglas.com.au or posted to the Marketing Manager, PO Box 323, Port Douglas 4877.

"Our mission will be to compile as many letters from locals and business owners and to send them direct to the producers of the Channel Seven Sunrise Program and David Kosh," Ms Kazakis said.