Transport Minister Lin Chia-lung says that talks with Guam over a potential opening of international travel are still ongoing. Lin’s words on Thursday come amid intense media speculation around which country will be next to open to tourism from Taiwan. Taiwan’s travel bubble with the island nation of Palau officially began on Thursday with the departure of a flight carrying 100 travellers from Taoyuan Airport.
Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau says it received a letter from Guam authorities on Wednesday expressing interest in establishing a travel bubble. Transport Minister Lin says that Taiwan has begun “intensive” talks with the US territory through local Taiwanese representatives. He says the two sides have been exchanging views on the matter, but are yet to reach an agreement.
Media reports also suggest that Vietnam and Singapore have both shown interest in reaching a special travel arrangement with Taiwan.
As of Thursday, Guam has reported 7,597 cases of COVID-19 and 134 deaths. But infection rate has fallen since December to an average of two or three new cases per day. The island aims to vaccinate half its population by May 1.