According to the Wall Street Journal, foreign tourists are flocking to the US in the form of tourism combined with vaccination. Airlines and tour operators are taking advantage of this opportunity to expand their markets and services.
People are vaccinated against COVID-19 by Johnson & Johnson Company in Chicago, Illinois, USA on April 6, 2021. Photo: AFP/VNA New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced the city will offer COVID-19 vaccination services to foreign visitors at mobile vaccination centers, starting this summer. But before that time, tourists, mostly Mexicans, have flocked to the US for the opportunity to get vaccinated. Up to now, tens of thousands of tourists from Mexico and some other countries have “landed” in many states such as Texas and Florida to be vaccinated. Some states in the US, including Texas, do not require visitors to present proof of residency. USA Today previously reported that thousands of wealthy tourists, including politicians, TV stars, leaders of companies and corporations in Latin America, have traveled to the US to receive vaccines. Some rent a private jet to go to the US. Mexico has so far only vaccinated enough doses for about 6% of the population and the vaccination program is only applicable to people over 60 years old. Many tour operators in Mexico have promoted travel packages including vaccinations to the US. “Enjoy Dallas and get a COVID-19 vaccine,” a travel agency ran an ad. Mexican airlines also recently increased flights to south Texas to serve the growing demand of travelers. A Thai travel company is also offering a package “COVID-19 vaccine tour” to the US. More than 200 people are already booked, at a cost of $2,400 per person for a 10-day trip to California that includes a single dose of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine. The above amount does not include the cost of airfare.
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