A conference set to be held in Surfer’s Paradise, Queensland, Australia next August will develop strategies to “steer the tourism industry through the current waves of economic uncertainty and into the future” says the region’s tourism minister.

Taking place on 17-19 August 2009, the Tourism Futures conference will be jointly hosted by Tourism Queensland, Tourism Australia and Gold Coast Tourism.

“For an industry that makes a major contribution to the national economy, tourism has been facing some tough challenges in recent years,” said Queensland’s minister for tourism, regional development and industry, Desley Boyle.

“There is no doubt that current world events such as the state of the international economy and climate change are having an impact on our industry.

“It is important for everyone to understand the challenges that lie ahead – and the real opportunities they can present to our industry.”

More than 450 delegates from across Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia are expected to attend the conference.