Prizes worth more than $4000 are up for grabs in the quest to find this year's Miss Port Douglas Carnivale Ambassador.

Event sponsor Barbara Head, owner of Lulus Model Management, said interest had been strong for the annual ambassador program.

The competition has expanded this year, with women aged between 18 and 35 eligible to enter.

Ms Head said this was not a beauty quest, but rather an opportunity for women who are well presented, have great deportment, and are genuinely passionate about Port Douglas.

"We want to attract a varied selection of applicants who are knowledgeable of Port Douglas Carnivale and the region and can help promote it as a tourism destination," she said.

"We are looking for applicants who show maturity, leadership qualities, are educated about the region and are proud members of the community."

The successful Miss Port Douglas Carnivale Ambassador 2014 will represent the 10-day festival from May 16 to 25 and will be required to attend media engagements, events and launches leading up to and during Carnivale.

Prizes include a $300 two-day Lulus Model Management Modelling and Self Improvement Workshop, a 12-month casting contract with Lulus Model Management, a photo shoot in Port Douglas Magazine modelling clothing from Cairns Central as well as a two-night stay at Niramaya Villas and Spa Port Douglas valued at $2000.

"We are also really excited to announce that Mick Fuhrimann, photographer for BLAK and a part of the Cuckoo Crew Productions, will also photograph a portfolio for the winner of Miss Port Douglas Carnivale Ambassador as a prize sponsor of the event," Ms Head said.

"On top of this, one of Port Douglas’ most trendy boutique stores ROSE&BOY has also come on board as a sponsor and will be offering prizes."  

Miss Port Douglas Carnivale Ambassador 2014 will also have the opportunity to attend the Australian Tourism Exchange for one day as a day visitor and official representative of Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree.

She will be required to attend all official functions on that day.

There will also be prizes for the runner up.

Registration for applicants wanting to be Miss Port Douglas Carnivale Ambassador 2014 are now open. Applications close on Friday, March 21.

To register visit www.carnivale.com.au or  www.lulusmodels.com.au, alternatively pick up a registration form at the Cairns Central information desk.