Taiwan opens its doors to tourists after easing COVID-19 border curbs

Businesses related to tourism in Taiwan, are happy. The country has eased some of the world’s most stringent COVID-19 border curbs. As a result, there is a boost in sales. Travelers are trickling into Taoyuan International Airport soon after Taiwan scrapped its quarantine and isolation rules. However, visitors have to wear their masks. They must also provide proof of vaccination, take rapid COVID-19 tests and monitor their health for seven days. There were travelers at the airport for the first time in more than two years. The reopening announcement came two weeks ago. Since then, the travel scenario saw a rise in bookings and airlines added flights to accommodate the increase in demand. An official of a travel agency said tour bookings have increased by 20 percent. Many of the agencies had to rough it out over the past two years with sharp drops in revenue. They had to reduce on staff members. Tourism, businesses cheer as Taiwan reopens borders for international travel. Packages to popular destinations like Japan and South Korea are selling out fast. This is in spite of rising prices due to increased airfares and costs.

Incidentally, in 2019, about 17 million Taiwanese travelled overseas but the number dropped by 98 percent last year. The tourism industry accounts for about 4 to 5 percent of the island’s gross domestic product (GDP) before the pandemic. Apart from tourism, other businesses like hotels and restaurants are eager to see the return of tourists. Some of the retailers were working extra hours to stock up on products ahead of the reopening to meet an expected increase in demand. According to health authorities, the decision to reopen the borders came only after Taiwan confirmed that more than 70 percent of its population have taken their booster shots. They also have an adequate supply of vaccines, rapid test kits and medication for patients.

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Chinese missile tactics force Taiwan to reroute ships and cancel international flights

China fired missiles near Taiwan as part of its military drills. This follows a visit by senior US politician Nancy Pelosi to the island. Multiple missiles fell into the waters around the country. Japan called for an "immediate stop" to the exercises. This ongoing tension between China and Taiwan has disturbed shipping and flights from Taiwan. Many ships had to re-route their services. This could lead to delays in receipt of consignments and consequential impact on supply lines. The impact would be global. Similarly, for flights from Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport. It canceled more than 50 international flights. Incidentally, the US does not officially recognize Taiwan. However, it continues to sell weapons to it for self-defiance. The brief visit of Nancy Pelosi to the country led to a rise in tensions. She is now in Japan as a part of her Asian tour. China fires missiles near Taiwan after Pelosi visit

China justified the launch of ballistic missiles by saying they were key training sessions. These included naval, land and aerial exercises as informed by the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command. The defense ministry of Taiwan retaliated by activating its defense systems to monitor the situation. The foreign affairs of Taiwan accused China of imitating the tactics of North Korea by intentionally test-firing missiles into waters near other countries. Japan also echoed the sentiments of Taiwan. Its Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said - "We strongly condemn the act as it is a serious issue concerning Japan's security and the safety of Japanese people,"

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