Austria is to hold its first ever World Winter Forum (WWF), a three day innovative conference which will seek to tackle the issues of importance to winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world.

From 12th-14th October 2005, the Austria Centre in Vienna will play host to the Forum, as international science, business and sports’ experts gather to cast a spotlight on winter.

Initiated and organized by three key Austrian tourism and event marketing companies this ambitious initiative has been backed by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) as well as multi gold medalist and ski hero Franz Klammer, to name but a few.

Sectors of the overall conference will WWF Forum – addressing, “the trends of winter sports and tourism – solutions for the future.” This will highlight global developments and regional traditions, the perception of winter in the light of social and political developments.

WWF Nature: “a new face to winter during climatic change” will look at research, climatic change and developments, changes and dangers within the mountains.

WWF Markets: “winter sport world wide – new guests, new aims/destinations, new chances?” will provide analysis and scenarios of existing and new markets and destinations for 2005, with a specific focus on the development of Eastern and Southern Europe.

WWF Future Lab: “Winter 2015″ will look at current and future trends, the media and new ideas for design and technology.

“The WWF will not only be a meeting place for interested representatives of industry and business, it will hopefully also help to bring a rather fragmented global industry closer together. I am delighted that the World Tourism Organisation recognises the importance of winter sports and is taking a pro active stance by supporting this forum.” said Oskar Hinteregger, Director of the Austrian National Tourist Office in London.

www.worldwinterforum.com