As director general of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and a proud member of Skål International, it gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you to Taipei for the Skål World Congress 2008.

Skål International Taipei is working very hard to make this one of your best world congresses ever, and our government is giving its full support to the event. We are delighted with the opportunity to show you a few of the attractions Taiwan has to offer.

As part of your official agenda you will be introduced to our unique folk performing arts, you will visit our fabulous National Palace Museum, you will thrill to the centuries-old religious rituals that are practiced in our temples, you will thrive to the vibrant beat of our exciting night markets, you will get to know some of our historic sites, and you will be enchanted by our beautiful mountain and coastal scenery.

Best of all, perhaps, you will savor Taipei's delicious Chinese food which you will agree, I am sure, is unmatched anywhere else in the world. You will conduct your meetings and social events in some of the most modern, convenient, and comfortable facilities anywhere.

In Taipei you will be in one of the safest cities you have ever experienced; whether man or woman, you can walk anywhere in the city day or night with virtually no danger except, perhaps, the danger of being overwhelmed by the warm friendship and hospitality you will find here.

You will discover that our beautiful island is a land of superlatives, with one of the world's tallest buildings in Taipei 101, Northeast Asia's tallest peak in Jade Mountain, the geological wonder of Asia in Taroko Gorge, and the densest concentration and greatest variety of hot springs anywhere.

The list of unique things you can discover and experience here is endless. So come and be with us in October 2008. Come and help us make this the greatest Skål World Congress ever!

Taipei is ready for The 2008 World Congress. With all the colorful and exciting attractions in this charming island of Taiwan, we are all prepared to showcase our rich resources in order to present to you one of the best Skål Congresses ever.

Taiwan, named Ilha Formosa by the Portuguese navigators who passed by some four centuries ago, is not only known for its beauty, but also the hospitality that its people extend to all visitors. Not only are all the Skål members in Taiwan working hard on this Congress, but the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, with all the support of Director (and Skål member) Janice Lai, is also extending all its efforts in helping us achieve our goals.

Here waiting for you, in Taiwan, are outstanding programs, exquisite food, great scenery, and a warmly hospitable people. 2008. Remember our pledge to meet in Taipei, Taiwan--it truly  touches your heart.