A north Queensland tourism operator says the recent floods in parts of the state could have boosted tourist numbers in Townsville.

The general manager of Sunferries, Darren McDonald, says his figures are showing an increase of 2,000 passengers from this time last year.

Mr McDonald says the increase could be a result of tourists being forced to stay in Townsville longer because of the floods.

"I think its probably slowed a lot of the operators down on the island and the tourists aren't coming through as such, but certainly our numbers don't really reflect at this stage that it's been a real negative for the area," he said.