The 2022 Summer Travel Expo kicked off on Friday in Taipei. It drew big crowds of visitors eager to get the most out of the vacation months.
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Despite the unbearable summer heat, a long line of people stands outside the Taipei World Trade Center, waiting to get into the city’s Summer Travel Expo. The fair is packed with 600 booths from 200 travel agencies.
For those who insist on traveling abroad, air fares are not quite as cheap as they were. But some are flying at all costs. That’s despite the fact Taiwan still requires travelers to quarantine when they get back into the country.
One travel agency says that many families are buying package deals that come with plane tickets and hotel reservations. Other travel agencies are promoting charter flights to Japan starting November and discounts for tours to Okinawa, Tokyo and Vietnam. There’s even a limited promotion of NT$10,000 (US$330) off for the second person traveling.
Some travel companies are even planning ahead by blocking seats on charter flights to the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asian countries. That’s in case there is a sudden demand for those seats when restrictions loosen.
However, some people are still hesitant about traveling overseas. They say they are concerned about the days they have to quarantine on their way back. Others are worried that they might rack up a hefty medical bill if they get COVID while abroad.
Travel agencies are hoping Taiwan cuts its COVID restrictions so they can cash in on consumers’ itch to escape.