The hotels have been gearing up for the event, to be held in Shanghai this October for the first time in a non-English-speaking country, since the beginning of the year.

"All hotels are training their staff in languages, manners and related knowledge to improve facilities,'' said Chen Xueyu, an official with Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administrative Commission, at a recent preparation meeting.

Although the number of hotels that have been earmarked for government leaders and foreign journalists have not been announced to the public, all five-star hotels have improved their facilities and services.

All 14 five-star hotels are trying to improve water quality so guests can drink water directly from the tap.

They have also begun to install high-definition televisions in presidential and executive suites.

"They aim to build green hotels,'' Chen said.

The Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai was presented this week with a top environmental quality award, the first one to be awarded in the city.

Language training is also being highlighted by the hotels.

"To make this work more efficiently, staff at many hotels have been told to use English at daily meetings,'' Chen said.

The tourism commission will also test staff to make sure they can communicate with foreigners.

(China Daily 04/24/2001)