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QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 July 2025: Seoul is the world’s best study destination, the QS Best Student Cities Ranking shows, ending London’s six-year run at the top. 

Seoul rises two spots, reflecting strong international appeal and its excellent selection of universities. London slips to third place due to a decline in the affordability indicator.

QS Best Student Cities Ranking. QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd

QS ranks 150 cities across 58 countries and territories. The US and UK are the most represented, with 16 cities each. Vienna joins the top 10 while Kuala Lumpur (12th), Taipei (14th), and Hong Kong (17th) enter the top 20.

The Republic of Korea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Ju-Ho Lee said: “We are proud that Seoul has been recognised as the best student city in the world. This achievement reflects the global confidence in Korea’s higher education system and highlights Seoul’s ability to blend academic excellence with vibrant culture, cutting-edge innovation, and a safe, welcoming environment.”

Global highlights

In the UK, only Nottingham (49th) and Leeds (51st) have improved. The UK performs exceptionally in desirability but struggles in affordability.

Of all ranked US cities, only Boston (15th) climbs; US cities face challenges in student mix and desirability.

All four Canadian cities drop, but all remain in the top 100, led by Montreal (18th).

Melbourne and Sydney remain in the top 10, affirming Australia’s position as one of the world’s premier study destinations.

Tokyo comes second, leading globally in Employer Activity.

Beijing ranks 13th — its highest ever position. It leads Mainland China’s eighth-ranked cities.

All Indian cities rise; Mumbai enters the top 100, placing 98th. It boasts strong affordability (11th) and employer activity (37th).

Germany and Australia are the only locations with two top-10 cities. Munich and Berlin are both exceptionally well-regarded by students and graduates who have studied and lived there.

Paris remains seventh. It is the European leader in the QS World University Rankings indicator, reflecting its outstanding universities.

Madrid breaks into the Top-30, while Milan and Rome are in the Top-50.

Amman is the highest-ranked city in the Arab region, ranking 64th, a 19-place increase year-over-year. 

Cairo leads in Africa, ranking 71st.

Buenos Aires leads in Latin America, placing 32nd, up 10 places. 

Santiago follows in 50th place.

Middle East and African hotel pipeline slows

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 July 2025: Middle East and Africa are the only regions to show a decline in overall hotel pipeline activity at the end of the second quarter, according to CoStar’s June 2025 pipeline data. 

CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

Europe

In Construction: 171,503 rooms (+3.4%)

Final Planning: 74,922 rooms (-19.7%)

Planning: 185,311 rooms (+15.4%) 

Total Under Contract: 431,736 (+2.9%)

The UK led the region in total rooms in construction (24,711), closely followed by Germany (23,400).

Asia Pacific

In Construction: 523,672 rooms (+4.0%)

Final Planning: 41,705 rooms (-54.3%)

Planning: 391,877 rooms (+21.0%)

Total Under Contract: 957,254 (+4.2%)

Among countries in the region, China (318,327) led in construction activity, followed by India (40,950) and Vietnam (36,338).

Middle East & Africa

In Construction: 103,115 rooms (-5.4%)

Final Planning: 21,731 rooms (-34.2%)

Planning: 94,391 rooms (+13.7%)

Total Under Contract: 219,237 (-2.6%)

Most of the region’s pipeline activity is focused on the Middle East. Saudi Arabia (46,015) and the United Arab Emirates (16,271) have the most significant number of rooms under construction.

Americas

In Construction: 189,102 rooms (-9.3%)

Final Planning: 303,528 rooms (+1.5%)

Planning: 410,322 rooms (+6.4%)

Total Under Contract: 902,952 (+1.1%)

The US (138,922) holds the majority of rooms in construction in the region. After the US, Mexico (14,562), Canada (9,128), and Brazil (5,334) show the highest number of rooms in construction.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit costargroup.com

T’way Air boosts seasonal flights to Singapore

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TTR WEEKLY
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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. 


(Source: T’way Air)

Emirates flies three daily to Dublin

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TTR WEEKLY
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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.

Sarawak greens with trees

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TTR WEEKLY
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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).

For more information on Sarawak’s attractions, visit the Sarawak Tourism Board. 

Scam warning on fake visa websites

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TTR WEEKLY
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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.

T’Way offers summer deals

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TTR WEEKLY
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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.

(Source: T’Way Air)

AF presents La Première on Singapore route

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TTR WEEKLY
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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.

(Source: Air France)

Delta plans daily HKG flights in 2026

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TTR WEEKLY
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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.

AirAsia returns to Palembang

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TTR WEEKLY
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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).

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