By Bernadette H. Carreon
The travel bubble between Taiwan and Palau is in danger of popping following low interest from Taiwanese tourists to take a holiday from a year of COVID-19 border restrictions.
In an effort to revitalise Palau’s economy which was devastated by COVID-19 in 2020 (with GDP down by 9.5% according to the Asian Development Bank), Palau and Taiwan announced the launching of a travel bubble last month.
President Surangel Whipps Jr. said after months of discussions, the bubble could finally happen. He flew to Taiwan for an official visit, returning to Palau days later with 100 tourists.
