As Port Douglas continues to fight for its share of fly and flop tourists, the cruise ship industry continues to deliver passengers in their thousands.

An estimated $2 million has been injected into the local economy by cruise ship passengers over 2010/11 financial year according to a report by Cruise Down Under.

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer Doug Ryan said that Port Douglas is the preferred stop for many of the 24,023 passengers who had received a warm tropical welcome at the marina during that year.

"TQ (Tourism Queensland) recently held an audit of all Queensland ports of call welcomes. Port Douglas rated one of the best," he said.

"Greeting passengers is an integral part of the cruise experience and sets the mood, expectation and ultimately the desire to re-visit our destination."

With at least 25 cruise ships due to come to Port Douglas in 2012, and the prospect of 32 in 2013, Mr Ryan said it is vital the township matches the high standard set by its surrounds.

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"First impressions are paramount. With the anchorage providing such a magnificent view over coconut palm fringed 4 Mile Beach, lush green coastal fringe and amazing mountain ranges behind, our greeting and the town has to meet that expectation," he said.

While only in town for one day at a time, it is believed the experience passengers have during their brief visit sets the scene for a possible return holiday to the region bringing greater economic benefits.

Cairns is currently bidding to host the 'Cruise Down Under' conference where ports woo movers and shakers of the cruise ship industry to boost their visits, a move TPDD supports.

"Famils for the major cruise directors is also in the planning. As you can imagine these people are in high demand worldwide."

Yorkey's Knob in Cairns' northern beaches accommodated almost 42,000 passengers during the 2010/11 financial year with an economic impact of $3.9 million.