Paradise cost: high prices and strict rules deflate Palau-Taiwan travel bubble

Taiwan eases restrictions on travellers after bookings fall into single digits and flight is cancelled

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It launched with a presidential escort and the promise of rare international travel to a postcard-perfect tropical island, but the Taiwan-Palau travel bubble has deflated after just a couple weeks, with Taiwanese bookings dwindling to single figures.

Travel agents, consumers and health authorities have blamed the high cost of the tours and the Taiwanese government's strict rules for returning travellers.