Palau's tourism industry stays resilient despite Chinese pressure

Air travel is the 'bridge' as Pacific island nation increases flight connections

Palau is increasing international flight connections for tourists keen to access the white sand beaches and blue waters of the Pacific island country. (Photo by Palau Visitors Authority)

SOPHIE MAK and SHAUN TURTON, Nikkei staff writers

December 1, 2024 10:00 JST

SYDNEY -- When Palau's tourism minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl meets any diplomat or foreign government official, he quickly turns the conversation to his favorite topic -- aviation -- something the small Pacific nation sees as fundamental to its future.

"I had 23 ambassadors during the Oct. 1 weekend for Independence Day and [with] all 23 countries, I talked about air access," Tmetuchl said.