Regional accommodation providers are preparing themselves for the final influx of 2012 visitors after what has been touted as the best period for the region in several years.

Last month's solar eclipse provided a boost in a traditionally quiet month, and after a lull in the first two weeks of December, visitors looking for a relaxing festive season will start flowing in next week.

A quick survey of accommodation providers in Port Douglas and surrounds has shown bookings for the Christmas and New Year period are slightly ahead of 2011 levels.

Dougies Backpackers will run at around 65 per cent occupancy in their rooms, however somewhat predictably at this time of year, there'll be plenty of space available for campers.
 
Macrossan House already has 90 per cent of their rooms booked for the New Year period and managers expect to be booked solid with travellers from Melbourne, Sydney, and the Tablelands coming to Port Douglas.

Bookings at luxury accommodation Silky Oaks Lodge is reportedly up on December 2011 figures and is currently expecting to run at 60 to 70 per cent with guests coming from far and wide including the USA and Cyprus keen to experience summer in Far North Queensland.

Meanwhile, the group of Boutique Collection properties are booked to 80 per cent occupancy, marginally up from 2011, as guests arrive from traditional domestic markets, New Zealand, and Asia.

The Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, often seen as the litmus test for Port Douglas in particular, is also looking good with Christmas bookings at a touch over 70 per cent while New Year's will see the resort all but full.

Due to a trend in shorter lead-in booking times, predictions for 2013 are difficult to make, however Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas have reported strong interest from the conference market.