First flight of Taiwan-Palau ‘travel bubble’ takes offBy Sherry Hsiao / Staff reporter, with CNA and AFPTaiwan and Palau yesterday launched what is being billed as the Asia-Pacific region’s first COVID-19 “travel bubble,” as the diplomatic allies seek to kick-start their battered tourist industries after successfully keeping infections at bay. Excited Taiwanese tourists arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, checking in five hours before their afternoon flight so that they could be tested for COVID-19. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr, left, waves as he concludes a news conference at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport yesterday following a five-day visit to Taiwan. A group of tourists pose at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport yesterday before boarding a flight to Palau as part of the Taiwan-Palau “travel bubble.” Photo: CNADoctors were stationed at the airport in case any passengers tested positive, he said. The “travel bubble” arrangement was first announced by the government on March 17.

Source: Taipei Times April 01, 2021 15:56 UTC