Regional airline FLY91 has added Tirupati as its 13th destination, further expanding its regional network across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With the new addition, the airline now serves four destinations across the two states.

The airline will connect Tirupati with Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry, supporting travel for pilgrims, tourists, business travellers and students across southern India. Bookings for the new Tirupati services are now open through FLY91’s website and travel agency network.

Tirupati is one of India's major pilgrimage destinations and is home to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Tirumala, which attracts millions of devotees. Beyond pilgrimage, the city is also an important educational, cultural and commercial centre in Andhra Pradesh.

Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO, FLY91, said, "The addition of Tirupati marks another important milestone in the steady expansion of our regional network and reinforces our commitment to Andhra Pradesh, where we now serve three destinations. By connecting Tirupati to 3 important cities, we are making travel across an important religious, educational and cultural corridor more convenient while improving connectivity between key regional centres. As a regional airline focused on 'Connecting Bharat' through safe and reliable air services, we remain committed to enhancing access between India's growing regional markets."

FLY91 will operate daily flights between Tirupati and Hyderabad. Flights between Tirupati and Vijayawada will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, while services between Tirupati and Rajahmundry will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

With Tirupati now added to its network, FLY91 serves Goa (Manohar International Airport, Mopa), Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Agatti, Kochi, Hubballi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Tirupati. The addition strengthens FLY91’s focus on connecting regional markets and improving access between important destinations across India.

Singapore is planning a fresh set of tax and visa incentives to strengthen its asset management industry and stay competitive with Hong Kong. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the finance ministry will introduce tax exemptions on investment profits earned by fund managers managing certain funds, including single family offices.

The government also plans to make it easier for investment professionals to access Singapore's Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, which is valid for up to five years before renewal and allows holders to work for multiple companies.

More details on the planned tax measures are expected to be announced in the 2027 budget. MAS will also support hedge funds that are committed to establishing or expanding their presence in Singapore through an investment programme.

The move comes as competition between Singapore and Hong Kong, two of Asia's major financial centres, continues to grow. Hong Kong is also working on expanding tax-free carried-interest measures to a wider range of fund houses and individual fund managers, aiming to attract more investment funds and financial talent.

The developments have raised concerns among Singapore-based funds that the growing tax gap could make Hong Kong more attractive to investment professionals. The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) had warned MAS in July that Hong Kong's proposed tax benefits for individual fund managers could increase its appeal.

National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, who is also deputy chairman of MAS, said it was important to provide the industry with clarity on the government's plans as companies consider where to locate and expand their businesses.

Kher Sheng Lee, AIMA's Asia-Pacific co-head, said the speed of Singapore's response had caught the attention of investors and added that the measures could strengthen the country's position in attracting managers, talent and capital.

MAS has also held discussions with hedge funds in recent months to understand their requirements and preferred tax rates. Singapore's asset management industry has grown at an average rate of 7.5% annually over the past five years, reaching nearly S$7 trillion, according to MAS data. The latest measures highlight Singapore's efforts to remain an attractive base for fund managers and investment professionals as competition with Hong Kong intensifies.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is set to bring its European lifestyle brand Vienna House to India with the signing of Vienna House Easy Vrindavan, the brand's first property in the country.

The 100-key hotel is expected to open in 2029 and will be developed by entrepreneur Sachin Kumar, owner and operator of Kumar Beverages Industries, in partnership with Nardev Chaudhary.

The signing comes as Indian travellers increasingly look for hotel stays that offer more than just accommodation, with greater interest in experiences, local culture and the character of a destination. While European destinations such as Switzerland, Italy and France accounted for more than 52 percent of Indian outbound travel demand to Europe last year, spiritual destinations such as Vrindavan have also seen visitor numbers reach the tens of millions. Vienna House Easy Vrindavan will bring together the brand's European-inspired design and hospitality with the traditions and character of the destination.

Commenting on the launch, Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, "Indian travellers are increasingly choosing hotels for how they make them feel, not simply where they allow them to stay. Across Europe, Vienna House has built its reputation on creating welcoming, design-led experiences that feel connected to the communities around them. As destinations such as Vrindavan attract a broader mix of travellers seeking culture, spirituality and discovery, we see a clear opportunity to introduce a brand that combines international hospitality standards with a genuine sense of place. Together with Mr. Sachin Kumar and Mr. Nardev Chaudhary, we are excited to bring that experience to India for the first time,"

Part of the wider Vienna House brand family, Vienna House Easy offers a relaxed lifestyle experience that combines European-inspired design with the culture and identity of each destination.

The upcoming four-star, 100-key lifestyle hotel is planned to feature an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop infinity pool and poolside terrace, banquet space and a curated vegetarian dining offering inspired by local traditions.

The property will also benefit from its location near some of Vrindavan's well-known landmarks, including Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir and ISKCON Vrindavan. It will also offer access from Mathura Junction, Agra and Delhi.

Speaking about the project, Sachin Kumar, Partner, Vienna House Easy Vrindavan, said, "Vrindavan is undergoing a remarkable transformation, attracting not only pilgrims but also families and travellers seeking richer cultural experiences. Together with Wyndham, we are creating a hotel that brings the warmth, character and design ethos of Vienna House Easy to India while remaining rooted in the traditions and identity of Vrindavan. We believe guests will value a hospitality experience that combines international quality, thoughtful design and an authentic connection to destination,”

The signing adds to Wyndham's plans to introduce globally recognised brands that match the changing preferences of Indian travellers. With its global presence, distribution network and Wyndham Rewards membership base of more than 126 million enrolled members worldwide, Vienna House Easy is positioned for further growth in India through partnerships with hotel owners. With the first Vienna House Easy property in India planned for Vrindavan, Wyndham is bringing a European-inspired lifestyle brand to a destination known for its strong spiritual and cultural appeal.