It appears more Port Douglas hotels, resorts, and other accommodation providers are choosing to self-rate as an impasse with star-raters AAA Tourism continues.

Criticism over AAA Tourism's criteria forced Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA) president, Sheryn Blundstone, to write a letter to then AAA Tourism CEO Peter Blackwell outlining member concerns.

Mr Blundstone described AAA Tourism as being "tunnel visioned."

"They need to readdress their criteria to reflect tropical destinations against southern destinations," Ms Blundstone said. 

"We had a very commercialised letter back from AAA tourism. It's very interesting to note their CEO has now departed."

Ms Blundstone said four and five star Port Douglas accommodation providers are moving towards self-rating to better reflect the standard of their facilities.

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"It is significant the impact it is having on Port Douglas and it's very obvious the number of people that have decided to self-rate rather than use the star rating system."

Joachim Holte, Wotif Group Executive General Manager for Australia and New Zealand steered clear of the issue saying it's up to the customer to decide their preference.

"Wotif.com tries to avoid weighing into the debate over self-rating versus AAA rating, we don't promote one system over another. We'd rather give customers all the relevant information, especially customer reviews, and let them make the ultimate decision."