29 June

THE US Pacific territory of Guam will offer visitors a Covid-19 vaccination with their tropical holiday, in a bid to restart its struggling tourism industry.

Dubbed ‘Air V&V’ — vacation and vaccination — the programme is primarily aimed at US expatriates in the Asia-Pacific region, although other nationalities can participate.

Guam has limited Covid-19 infections and a high vaccination rate among the local population thanks to one of the most effective roll-outs in the region.

And that makes the island an attractive destination for vaccine tourists, said Visitors Bureau president Carl Gutierrez.

“This programme captures a unique demographic of travellers around the world that are tired of waiting to get vaccinated in this pandemic,” he said.

Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed off on the initiative last week, and is expected to relax quarantine rules early next month so it can proceed.

Based on health department protocols, travellers will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine at a self-paid facility upon arrival to Guam.

If they pass a coronavirus test on day six, they will be allowed out the next day to enjoy an unrestricted beachside holiday.

Participants in the programme can choose between the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Gutierrez said the first charter flight was expected from Taiwan on 6 July and up to 30,000 people were forecast to take advantage of the scheme by the end of the year.—AFP