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The article presents information about the Ninth Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) Annual Conference titled "Current Research, Future Strategies: Bridging Uncertainty" held in Sydney, Australia from July 6 to July 9, 2003. It was fortunate to have held this conference since the threats and crises of the Iraq war, the bombing in Bali, and the epidemic of SARS had just ended. Fortunately, the Organizing Committee of the Ninth Annual APT A Conference well managed the situation. No matter how considerable the growth potential of tourism, it is surprising to see the fact that the tourist trade all over the world is without refuge before a war and the epidemic crisis such as SARS. The conference featured over 100 refereed research papers with delegates from nineteen different countries, and most continents, who were ready and prepared to inform the attendees with and debate the results of their research, and their reflections on various aspects of tourism. The conference was officially opened by Prof. Hai-Sik Sohn. Chairman of the Board for APTA and who has personally been the driving force for the growth and success of APTA. There were two key note addresses given at the official welcome. Dr. David Beirman, Director, Israel Tourism Office, Australia and SW Pacific presented "Restoring Tourism Destinations in Crisis" and Mr. Chris Flynn, Director, Australia/New Zealand Office, Pacific Asia Travel Association, presented "The Past Is Our Future."

The article focuses on the Ninth Asia Pacific Tourism Association Annual Conference, held from July 6-9, 2003 at the University of Technology, in Sydney, Australia. The theme of the conference was 'Current Research, Future Strategies: Bridging Uncertainty,' which could not be more appropriate with the uncertain obstacles and challenges that the tourism industry has had to face over the past year. With tourism being one of the world's largest employers, when there are disasters, such as the war in Iraq or the SARS epidemic, the impact on tourism is severely felt with thousands of tourism employees loosing their jobs. The world is becoming a smaller place and a problem that in the past would have only effected one area or region, now has global effects and practically stops people from traveling causing world tourism to be at a standstill. The first day of the conference featured four concurrent paper sessions divided into twelve different themed sessions. These included - Marketing, Hospitality Management, Sustainability, Technology, Crisis, Attractions, Community Issues, Management and Tourists.