other countries that have similar response plans.

‘We have seen Wendy Wu customers start to enquire and book for tours in the second half of 2021 and 2022. Japan, Taiwan and South Korea are the top destinations we are receiving enquiries on,’ Dymond says.

‘It is good news that a vaccine seems closer and many countries have put themselves in a position to manage overseas visitors returning. The New Zealand Government needs to be seriously talking to countries like Taiwan that have no community transmission
of the virus.’

Rahul Sharma, managing director of Exotic Holidays, says Taiwan was proving increasingly popular before the pandemic and is sure to bounce back quickly.

‘It is a remarkable place to visit, still new to many Kiwis, and its success in controlling Covid-19 has given it an even more favourable profile here.’

John Willson, general manager retail at First Travel Group, says once the Cook Islands border opens, pressure will go to open up other destinations.   

‘Australia is the next obvious choice, and though progress is painfully slow, it will happen hopefully early 2021.  The next destination will be Asia and with Taiwan having such a great response and record with Covid, it should be targeted.’

Willson says Taiwan, in the past, may not have come to mind as a fabulous holiday destination. ‘However, a little research on the destination shows that Taiwan has plenty to offer. Having Taiwan as a safe and accessable destination will allow other Asian destinations to push their case to participate in the bubble. Vietnam and Thailand immediately come to mind.’

Lance Mould of Active Asia says Asia has generally done well containing and controlling community cases but Taiwan is leading the pack.

‘A Taiwan bubble would be fantastic and may present opportunities to open up further corridors to Singapore and then hopefully other key Asian hubs and destinations.’

Jay Soysa, product/reservations manager at Fathom Asia says Taiwan has been one of the company’s top selling destinations.

‘Our appointed DMC in Taiwan has made a point of keeping us fully informed with the situation there. They’re keen to start receiving our passengers and all parties concerned
are working hard to ensure that once the clients are there, they are well looked after and cared for.’

'All travel bubbles welcome'

Emma Robertson, product and trade marketing manager of GO Holidays, says the wholesaler would welcome any travel bubbles but is currently focused mainly in the Pacific and Australia.

She agrees, though, that Taiwan could be interesting as a test case for other areas of Asia opening up when it is safe to do so.

‘GO doesn’t have a Taiwan programme, but I’d be interested to see what demand there is for travellers to go there if it does open, as that will hopefully be a good indicator of future demand for other Asian countries.’