James Wung's Minneapolis travel agency was hit hard by the pandemic. He had to let his only three employees go and has been working a few hours a day because most of his customers are international travelers who have been forced to stay home.
But he's hoping business will pick up again now that the Biden administration announced Monday that it will allow fully vaccinated travelers from around the world to enter the U.S. beginning in November.
"The airport was locked down for much of 2020. We survived that and it was very difficult," said Wung, who has owned One World Travel in Uptown for more than 10 years. "We did book some, it's just that it's more restrictive. … When they lift it, it will be easier."
The news was met with mixed reactions at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Monday afternoon.
Jonathan Gerber of California, who was going to a health care conference in Minnesota, said he was cautiously optimistic.
"I think it's a good thing, if you're vaccinated, you're safe," he said, adding he was still concerned about hospitalization rates. "I don't think it will improve the situation."
Others were eager for a return to pre-pandemic normalcy, without vaccine, mask or travel regulations.
Jim Woodward of New Jersey said the move was a long time coming. Since the pandemic started, Woodward hasn't traveled to places requiring quarantines or vaccinations.