SINGAPORE, 22 July 2025: T’way Air, Korea’s low-cost carrier, is expanding its summer flights with increased connectivity between Singapore and Korea, alongside seasonal promotions.
Available through 31 July, the fare promotion is open for travel through 25 October 2025 as the airline inaugurates flights from Jeju to Singapore and doubles frequencies from its Seoul hub to Singapore.
T’way Air operates daily Incheon Seoul-Singapore flights using A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft. However, effective from 23 July to 15 August, the airline will increase flights to twice daily. It will then shift to a mixed schedule from 16 to 31 August, with two flights on Thursdays and Sundays, and one flight on the remaining days of the week. As of 1 September 1, the airline will revert to daily flights on the route. Additionally, the airline will inaugurate its new Jeju-Singapore route on 16 August, deploying a Boeing 737 MAX 8.
T’way Air offers downloadable coupons until 31 July.
SGD 15 Off Coupon: valid on Singapore–Incheon and Singapore–Jeju bookings of SGD 150 or more, with a travel period from July 2025.
SGD 40 Off Coupon: valid on Singapore–Incheon and Singapore–Jeju bookings of SGD 400 or more, with a travel period from July 2025.
SGD 50 Early Bird Coupon: valid on Singapore–Incheon, Singapore–Jeju bookings of SGD 400 or more, with a travel period from September 2025.
Additionally, passengers booking flights to Incheon or Jeju using promo code VACAYKR can save up to 15% (actual savings vary depending on the exchange rate at the time of purchase).
T’way Air currently serves 60 destinations worldwide and continues to expand its network.
About T’way Air T’way Air Co Ltd, headquartered in Daegu, South Korea, serves customers across Asia, Oceania, and Europe with a fleet of Boeing 737-800s, Boeing 737 MAX 8s, Airbus A330s, and Boeing 777-300ERs.
DUBAI, 21 July 2025: Emirates will operate a third daily service to Dublin, commencing on 26 October, providing customers with additional travel options to and from Dubai.
Emirates flight EK165 will depart Dubai at 0210 and arrive in Dublin at 0625, local time. The return flight, EK166, will depart Dublin at 0825 and arrive in Dubai at 2000 local time.
The additional flight will provide Irish travellers with an early morning departure option, complementing the existing afternoon and evening departures offered by the airline’s double daily service to the country.
The third daily flight will operate utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft set in a three-class configuration, offering customers eight private suites in first class, 42 lie-flat seats in business class and 304 spacious seats in economy class.
The added service will also provide travellers with enhanced connectivity to popular destinations across Emirates’ network, including Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.
Connecting Dublin to the world
Last month, the airline officially introduced its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 on the Dubai to Dublin route, offering Irish passengers an upgraded experience with its four-class configuration, featuring its award-winning premium economy cabin and latest business class experience. The airline has also announced that it will deploy its second refurbished Boeing 777 to Dublin, starting from 16 October.
Customers travelling with Emirates can look forward to the warm hospitality of the airline’s multinational crew, regionally inspired meals, and the award-winning in-flight entertainment system – ice – offering up to 6,500 channels of the best movies, TV shows, podcasts, and more. Premium passengers will also experience an essence of Ireland onboard with VOYA bathroom amenities, Keogh’s Crisps and Killowen yoghurt.
For more information, visit www.emirates.com or make a booking on the Emirates App at Emirates Retail stores, the Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.
MIRI, Sarawak, 21 July 2025: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) celebrated a significant milestone in its long-term greening efforts last week by planting 2,500 native tree seedlings at Piasau Nature Reserve, Miri, as part of its ongoing ecoGreenPlanet Initiative.
It brings the cumulative total to 6,200 trees planted, representing 62% of the initiative’s 10,000-tree target by 2027. Launched in 2023 in collaboration with Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the ecoGreenPlanet Initiative reflects STB’s steadfast commitment to environmental restoration, biodiversity protection, and responsible tourism practices under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
YB Dato Dennis (Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board) gave his opening remarks during the opening ceremony of the event at Miri Piasau Nature Reserve.
“Today is not only about planting trees, it is about planting hope, partnerships, and accountability. It is about showing the world that Sarawak doesn’t just talk about sustainability, we act on it,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Chairman YB Dato Dennis Ngau. “Together, we are not only greening Sarawak, we are shaping a more resilient, responsible future for our people, our planet, and our tourism industry.”
The planting activity in Miri complements previous efforts at Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary and Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, with seedlings planted under the initiative estimated to offset approximately 1,085 tonnes of CO2 over the next 10 years.
This year’s tree planting is also part of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 sustainability programme, which continues to set new benchmarks for responsible event management.
YB Dato Dennis Ngau with YB Adam Yii Siew Yang officially start the event with planting the first seedling.
This year’s green initiatives include a dedicated Shuttle Bus System to reduce traffic emissions to and from the festival site, solar-powered charging stations and lighting supported by Sarawak Energy Berhad, and an upcycling project that transformed over 1,300 wristbands into lanyards handcrafted by single mothers in Sarawak. Circular kitchen practices are also being implemented, with waste cooking oil converted into biodiesel through a collaboration with SD Guthrie.
Complementing these efforts are interactive educational booths focused on wildlife conservation, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF); recycling and ecobrick-making initiatives, in collaboration with the Miri Secondhand Dealers and Recyclers Association; and carbon footprint tracking, in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
The ecoGreenPlanet Initiative directly supports Sarawak’s alignment with global Sustainable Development Goals, including Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
LONDON, 21 July 2025: Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk are warning of a rise in fake visa websites and phishing scams targeting holidaymakers worldwide.
As more countries move their visa applications online, scammers are exploiting the confusion by setting up convincing copycat websites, spoofing official portals, and charging inflated fees for fake or unnecessary documents.
(Photo credit: Quotezone.co.uk).
Quotezone.co.uk CEO Greg Wilson explains that travellers often only realise they’ve been scammed when they’re denied boarding or refused entry, turning a long-awaited holiday into a disaster.
Quotezone has shared expert tips on how to spot and avoid these scams, along with travel insurance advice to protect against costly mistakes.
While many destinations are visa-free, travellers still need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) a few days before departure.
As more countries transition to online visa systems, scammers are increasingly exploiting the process by creating convincing yet fraudulent websites to steal personal information or charge inflated fees.
And with travel rules varying significantly between destinations, scammers are also capitalising on the confusion, setting up unofficial visa application websites, spoofing legitimate government portals, and charging inflated fees for fake or unnecessary documents.
One of the most common scams involves copycat websites designed to resemble official government visa portals. These sites may charge excessive admin fees, request unnecessary details, or even submit real applications while pocketing the difference.
Another growing threat is phishing via email or text, where fraudsters pose as immigration authorities or embassy officials. Victims are often pressured with warnings of denied entry or urgent deadlines, prompting them to click malicious links or hand over payment information.
Fake visa agents are also targeting holidaymakers, offering fast-track applications for a premium fee, only to disappear after payment or supply forged documents.
Wilson said: “Some fake sites look incredibly professional, mimicking official government branding while charging double or triple the standard fee, only for travellers to discover later they’ve bought an invalid visa.”
To help avoid visa scams, Quotezone.co.uk shares the following tips:
Use official government websites only
Always apply through official government visa portals to avoid falling victim to fraudulent sites.
Check visa requirements early
Visa rules and entry requirements vary widely depending on the country. Research well in advance to understand what documents you need and avoid the stress of last-minute applications. It reduces the risk of turning to unofficial websites in a panic to get your visa sorted quickly.
Beware of high fees or urgent pressure
Official visa fees are usually fixed and clearly stated on government websites. Be suspicious if you’re asked to pay significantly higher fees or if you’re pressured to apply urgently. Scammers often use fear tactics to rush you into paying for unnecessary or fake services.
Look for HTTPS and check the web address
Ensure the website you’re using is secure by looking for “https://” at the start of the URL and a padlock symbol in the browser. Double-check the web address carefully – scammers often create websites with similar names to official portals, but with subtle differences.
Never share sensitive information over email or text
Legitimate immigration authorities or embassies will not request payment details, passport scans, or personal information through insecure email or text messages. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unexpected messages claiming to be official.
Pay with a credit card if possible
Where payment is required, use a credit card as it provides an extra layer of protection. If you discover fraud or need to dispute a charge, credit card companies can help you recover your money. Quotezone.co.uk helps holidaymakers compare and find savings across various types of travel insurance, including multi-trip, annual travel, and USA travel insurance.
HONG KONG, 21 July 2025: T’Way Air, Korea’s low-cost carrier, has launched its “Summer Vacation Deals” promotion on its website for flights between Hong Kong and Seoul Incheon.
Valid through 31 July, the offer applies to Hong Kong–Incheon flights for travel through 28 March 2026.
T’Way Air operates daily flights between Hong Kong and Incheon (Seoul) using A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft, each configured with 354 seats, including 12 flat-bed seats in business class.
Flight schedule
Flight TW644 departs Hong Kong at 0040, arriving in Seoul at 0530 local time. The return flight, TW643, departs Incheon at 2005 and lands in Hong Kong at 2315.
T’Way Air offers three limited-time coupons through 31 July:
HKD140 Off Coupon: valid on bookings of HKD1,400 or more, travel through 28 March, 2026.
HKD80 Off Coupon: valid on bookings of HKD 800 or more, travel through 28 March, 2026.
HKD200 Early Bird Coupon: valid on bookings of HKD 1,400 or more. Travel period 1 September to 28 March 2026.
About T’Way Air Headquartered in Daegu, South Korea, T’Way Air flies to destinations in Asia, Oceania, and Europe with a fleet of Boeing 737-800s, 737 MAX 8s, Airbus A330s, and Boeing 777-300ERs.
SINGAPORE, 21 July 2025: Air France introduced its new La Première suites on its daily flights between Singapore and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport last week.
The Boeing 777-300ER used on this flight is configured with four of the new La Première suites, as well as 60 seats in business class, 44 in premium economy, and 204 in economy class.
After New York JFK, Singapore is the second destination to operate a newly retrofitted aircraft equipped with the new La Première suites.
Gradually rolled out on a selection of Boeing 777-300ERs, the new La Première cabin will be available on flights to Los Angeles during the 2025 summer season and Tokyo-Haneda during the 2025/2026 winter season.
La Première Suites are currently available on departures from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Abidjan, Dubai, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda, and Washington, D.C.
HONG KONG, 21 July 2025: Delta will expand its Asia network with the launch of daily nonstop service between Los Angeles and Hong Kong starting 8 June 2026.
Delta’s new nonstop service between Hong Kong and Los Angeles will also strengthen the Delta–Korean Air joint venture partnership, further expanding the partnership’s reach and enhancing travel options for customers across the Pacific.
Photo credit: Delta Air Lines.
Flights will operate daily on Delta’s flagship Airbus A350-900, featuring four cabin experiences: Delta One suite, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main.
The route builds on Delta’s momentum in Los Angeles, where the airline operates as the largest global carrier* with more than 160 peak-day departures to over 50 destinations, including Shanghai, Tokyo, Sydney, Brisben and Auckland.
Delta is also playing a key role in shaping the city’s global presence. As an inaugural Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Official Airline of Team USA, Delta is honoured to support Los Angeles on the road to 2028.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta operates significant hubs and key markets in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Bogota, Boston, Detroit, Lima, London-Heathrow, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Santiago (Chile), Sao Paulo, Seattle, Seoul-Incheon and Tokyo.
PALEMBANG, Indonesia, 21 July 2025: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) has resumed international services to Palembang, Indonesia, from Kuala Lumpur, reinstating international status to Palembang’s Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport.
The reinstatement of international connectivity presents a valuable opportunity to revitalise local tourism, attract more international visitors, especially from Malaysia and spur growth across supporting sectors such as transport, hospitality, and food and beverages.
Photo credit: AirAsia. AK flights return to Palembang Indonesia.
Indonesia is targeting between 14.6 and 16 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, and enhanced regional access by AirAsia will be vital in supporting this goal, especially for secondary cities like Palembang.
Domestic airlines serve six destinations from Palembang airport — Jakarta, Batam, Pangkai Pinang, Kuala Namu, Yogyakarta and Surabaya.
Quoting BPS-Statistics Indonesia, South Sumatra’s Governor, H Herman Deru, commented: “In 2024, the Room Occupancy Rate* for star hotels in South Sumatra reached 51.85%. We expect a significant increase, especially in the tourism industry and economic growth, in the months ahead.”
AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra added: “Resuming our Palembang route has been a long-standing priority since the pandemic. As a high-demand destination, especially for Balik Kampung travel during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha, we are thrilled to see the airport reopened for international services. This new daily service enhances connectivity between Malaysia and Indonesia, contributing to a total of 205 weekly flights operated by AirAsia between both countries. By reconnecting Palembang to our extensive network, we’re not only linking families and cultures but also creating new pathways for economic exchange, investment, and tourism. We are proud to serve underserved and emerging destinations like Palembang, unlocking greater access and opportunity for communities that have long awaited international connectivity.”
Flight schedule
Daily direct flights are scheduled using an A320 for the one-hour and 30-minute flight.
AK462 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0935 and arrives in Palembang (PLM) at 1005. AK461 departs Palembang (PLM) at 1030 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1330.
AirAsia Malaysia (AK) now operates flights from Kuala Lumpur to 15 destinations across Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Yogyakarta, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Padang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Labuan Bajo, Lombok, Palembang, Semarang (commencing 5 September 2025) as well as services from Penang to Jakarta and Medan.
“Palembang, capital of Indonesia’s South Sumatra province, is a port city on the Musi River. The river, scene of a floating market, is lined with houses on stilts and spanned by the Ampera Bridge. “Located in the eastern lowlands of southern Sumatra, Palembang is the second most populous city in Sumatra, after Medan, and the 12th most populous city in Indonesia.” (Wikipedia).
BANGKOK, 21 July 2025: Thailand experienced a notable surge in interest from long-haul source countries in 2024, as evidenced by recent data from Airbnb.
With increased air connectivity, this upswing suggests a growing appetite among international travellers, particularly from Europe, North America, and Australia.
Photo credit: Airbnb.
In 2024, Airbnb saw an almost 40%* year-on-year increase in nights booked in Thailand by long-haul travellers from top origin countries of Airbnb, highlighting Thailand’s enduring status as a premium destination amongst travellers around the world.
The top long-haul origin countries of Airbnb guests travelling to Thailand in 2024 were:*
USA UK Germany France Canada Russian Federation Netherlands Switzerland Spain Sweden
Amongst the top 10 long-haul origin countries for nights booked in Thailand, France recorded the highest year-on-year growth, with nights booked increasing by almost 70% in 2024.*
Other notable growth was seen from Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, demonstrating strong demand across continents.
“We’re witnessing a clear shift in global travel preferences, guests from long-haul geos are increasingly choosing Thailand not just for a holiday, but for deeper cultural discovery, wellness, and meaningful connection,” said Airbnb Country Head for India and Southeast Asia, Amanpreet Bajaj. “As more travellers seek out authentic experiences beyond the usual, we see a real opportunity to support the dispersal of tourism beyond traditional hotspots, bringing its economic benefits to more local communities.”
In 2024, high-value travellers from long-haul source markets recorded a more than 25% increase in long-term stays (28 nights or more) in Thailand among guests from top long-haul origin countries compared to the previous year**.
This trend signals a growing preference for deeper cultural immersion and more meaningful travel experiences, with long-haul visitors making significant contributions to the local economy through extended stays and community engagement.
* Based on net nights booked in Thailand by Airbnb guests from top long-haul origin countries (i.e. countries outside of APAC) for check-ins between 1 January and 31 December in 2023 v 2024.
** Based on net nights booked in Thailand for stays of 28+ days by Airbnb guests from top long-haul origin countries outside of APAC between 1 January and 31 December in 2023 v 2024.
DUBAI, UAE, 18 July 2025:Asinternational travel reaches a fever pitch this summer, Emirates’ latest analysis of global booking data* and search patterns reveals where travellers are dreaming of and escaping to in July and August, with a shift towards new cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-track locales.
Flight searches for summer travel have increased by 7% compared to last year, with France leading the charge, experiencing a remarkable 35% rise in outbound travel searches, followed by Ireland, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also seeing strong momentum, highlighting robust travel intent across key markets.
In 2025, a few breakout stars have emerged as the top summer destinations for Emirates, and they’re concentrated mainly in the Far East, Indian Ocean and Europe.
Emirates’ summer hotspots
Vietnam has emerged as this summer’s ‘it’ destination, stealing the spotlight with a robust 61% leap in interest and an uplift in booking demand. Emirates flies to three points in Vietnam with 25 weekly flights: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and in June this year, the airline launched services to Da Nang via Bangkok, with flight times that offer seamless connections to/from major European cities and key American hubs.
Vietnam’s vibrant third metropolis is a gateway to a trio of UNESCO World Heritage treasures and over 3,000km of untouched coastline. For culinary adventurers, Vietnamese cuisine is a story in every bite. From bustling street food markets to hidden local gems, the country’s dining scene promises an unforgettable experience.
Close behind, the island nation of Mauritius continues to charm travellers, with searches for flights rising 41% as the second most in-demand destination on the Emirates network this summer. The airline offers two convenient daily flights on its iconic A380S. While Sri Lanka has seen a 32% increase, it has become a clear favourite due to its rich cultural tapestry, pristine beaches, ‘tea country’, and affordable luxury experiences.
Japan continues to exert its magnetic pull on global explorers, with flight searches growing 28% compared to last year. Its unique culture, stunning landscapes, modern cities, and delectable cuisine blend balance and artistry. Emirates operates 21 weekly flights to three Japanese points – Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Osaka.
The timeless allure of France rounds out the top five with a solid 25% boost, and Emirates is helping meet traveller demand this summer, serving Paris with 21 weekly flights, including three daily A380 flights, a daily A380 service to Nice, and a daily A350 flight to Lyon.
The science of wanderlust: booking data and travel choices
In the UAE, Emirates has seen a 13% rise in flight searches overall, and the airline has witnessed a year-on-year increase in searches to destinations like Sri Lanka, Jordan, France, India, Lebanon, and Morocco. Travellers from the US flying Emirates have been increasingly focusing their searches on African destinations, such as Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa. Meanwhile, UK travellers are searching 12% more than last year on emirates.com, with a growing interest in far-flung destinations like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.
Indian travellers are seeking more opportunities to venture out to Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland in 2025, while the airline notes that Australian travellers are focusing on their European summer plans, with a rise in searches to France and the UK. Over the past year, German travellers have been drawn eastbound with higher search levels to Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and the Seychelles.
Summer traditionally skews towards longer breaks, particularly for Emirates travellers from India, Australia, the UK, and Germany, who stretch their getaways into extended escapes – close to a third of them travel for more than a month, while those from the US opt for 2-3 week stays for their summer getaways.
The diversity of Dubai’s summer visitors
Emirates forecasts healthy inbound passenger traffic to Dubai during the summer months this year, underscoring the city’s ongoing global appeal as a ‘must-visit’ destination year-round.
Solo Travellers dominate nearly half of all US, Indian, and Australian visitors, mixing business with leisure during stays averaging just over one week.
Family Travel tells different stories by nationality. About one-third of US and Indian visitors travel as families, although preferences diverge — Indian families tend to favour shorter getaways, while American families typically spend 1-2 weeks exploring Dubai. UK families represent the majority of British visitors, often extending their Dubai experience beyond two weeks.
Couples form another significant segment. Younger Australian and German couples are embracing extended stays, ranging from two weeks to an entire month, to maximise their time to discover Dubai.
*Data reflects searches and website bookings on emirates.com for flights between 1 July and -30 August 2025, in addition to year-over-year comparisons. For more information on the airline and to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.
