Because this is the first time that the ROC has hosted a major international conference and because the country was given less than one year to plan for it(most annual Lions Club conventions are planned five years in advance), Vice President Lee Teng-hui himself is acting as convention host and the KMT's Department of Social Affairs is in charge of coordination. The groups involved are legion: The Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government information Office, the Tourism Bureau, the China Youth Corps, the Taiwan Motor Transportation Company, the hotel industry, the restaurant industry, the tourist industry, retailers. . . .

To make the convention a success, some of the groups and agencies have been taking some rather unprecedented steps.

The hotel industry is an example. In bidding for the convention last June, the ROC held a trump card that no other country could match: It offered US$100 rooms in five-star hotels for US$25, rooms in four-star hotels for US$18, and three-star rooms for just US$12.

"We couldn't make any profit at those prices to begin with, and now that the NT dollar has appreciated so much, we're going to take quite a loss," said Chen Limei, public relations manager at the Hotel Royal Taipei.

Nevertheless, the hotels are going ahead with a full program of preparations, considering their efforts as long-term investment. Explained Ms. Chen: "We hope to make a good impression, so they'll come back again."

Because the 40,000-some visitors will be arriving at nearly the same time, airport customs plans to open all fifty of its inspection counters (only a dozen are usually in service) to facilitate their arrival.

To assist the visitors to overcome the language barrier, the China Youth Corps has selected some 400 college students conversant in English, French, Japanese, and Spanish to serve as interpreters. In addition, the Tourism Bureau and the Government Information Office have put together pamphlets containing useful Chinese words and phrases to help the visitors in shopping, asking directions, and getting around.

Taipei, the site of the convention, is getting spruced up to put on a good appearance for the guests. Ongoing road repair work is being speeded up for early completion and planned road work will be temporarily delayed; roadside vendors are being cracked down on; and Mayor Hsu Shui-teh has declared June 20th to the 26th "clean-up week," inviting citizens to compete in scrubbing down their neighborhoods. As part of the campaign to improve the city's image, the Taxi Drivers' Association has held a conference calling on taxi drivers to pay attention to their appearance and manners and to treat passengers fairly.

Transportation is an even bigger problem. The Taiwan Motor Transportation Company and the Taipei City Bus Authority have allocated 400 of their best buses and drivers to maintain routes between the convention center and the major hotels. To alleviate the foreseeable traffic problems, policemen will be stationed at major intersections to direct traffic, but the voluntary efforts of the citizenry will also be required.

To increase public awareness, the Government Information Office has printed posters, launched balloons, and invited Chang Hsiao-yen and Sun Yueh, two of the island's most popular television stars, to make volunteer public service messages about the convention.

As opening day approaches, the city is eager to get started on making the Lions Club convention a success. After all, this convention is the first step on the way to Taipei's becoming an "international convention city."

[Picture Caption]

To express his warmth as host, Taiwan Province Governor Chiu Chuanghuan will have each visiting Lion receive a fruit basket like this one. (photo by Vincent Chang)

Taipei department stores are welcoming the Lions with giant greetings. (photo by Ch'iu Sheng-wang)

(Left) The toy lions, the studio, and the production costs of this public service message about the Lions Club convention were donated for free. (photo by Arthur Cheng)

(Right) To remind citizens to cherish the environment so the world will "sit up and take note," Sun Yueh made a public service message for free. (photo by Arthur Cheng)

A gentle balloon welcoming the Lions floats above the rooftop of the Lai Lai Sheraton Hotel. (photo by Vincent Chang)

Taipei department stores are welcoming the Lions with giant greetings. （photo by Ch'iu Sheng-wang）

Right） To remind citizens to cherish the environment so the world will "sit up and take note," Sun Yueh made a public service message for free. （photo by Arthur Cheng）

（Left） The toy lions, the studio, and the production costs of this public service message about the Lions Club convention were donated for free. （photo by Arthur Cheng）

A gentle balloon welcoming the Lions floats above the rooftop of the Lai Lai Sheraton Hotel. （photo by Vincent Chang）