Axi Plaza: Vietnam's Innovative Multipurpose Convention Center in Cam Ranh

Axi Plaza: Vietnam's Innovative Multipurpose Convention Center in Cam Ranh

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 28, 2024

Vietnam's picturesque Cam Ranh peninsula welcomes a groundbreaking addition to its landscape with the grand opening of Axi Plaza, a multifunctional convention center inspired by the nation's iconic coracle boats. Developed by The Anam Group, Axi Plaza stands as the region's largest convention center, offering unparalleled event facilities and complementing the group's prestigious resorts in the area.

Located on the spectacular beachfront of Long Beach, Axi Plaza boasts a striking design reminiscent of traditional Vietnamese basket boats. The center's remarkable features include a vast conference hall, a rooftop venue, an outdoor event space, and a diverse array of shopping and dining outlets spanning over 10,000 square meters.

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Axi Plaza's conference hall and ballroom area, covering 1197 square meters on the third floor, can accommodate up to 1000 guests. Featuring a high ceiling adorned with timber beams and a cutting-edge LED screen, the hall offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including swimming pools and the ocean.

On the fifth floor, a 360-degree rooftop area spanning 1077 square meters provides an ideal setting for receptions and corporate events, offering sweeping vistas of Long Beach's pristine sands and azure waters. Adjacent to the building, an outdoor event space overlooks the beachfront, complemented by lush lawns and picture-perfect swimming pools.

Inside, guests can unwind at the Axi Plaza Lounge, offering Vietnamese cuisine and panoramic views of the swimming pools. The center's first floor is dedicated to retail therapy, with 46 shops ranging in size, while indoor and outdoor dining areas on the fourth floor cater to culinary delights.

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The Anam Group's founder, Pham Van Hien, expressed excitement about Axi Plaza's potential to elevate Cam Ranh's status as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers. He highlighted the center's convenience for travelers needing a place to spend time between hotel check-out and flight departures.

With plans to host various events, including company gatherings, weddings, and forums in collaboration with the local tourism department, Axi Plaza aims to become a hub for cultural and entertainment activities. As part of its commitment to preserving Vietnamese heritage, the center's design pays homage to the country's rich maritime history, symbolized by the iconic basket boat.

Axi Plaza represents a significant milestone in Vietnam's hospitality industry, offering a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional charm. With its exceptional facilities and strategic location, it promises to redefine the convention experience in Cam Ranh and beyond.


Germany Plans to Roll Back Air Traffic Tax Hike Amid Airline Pressure

Germany Plans to Roll Back Air Traffic Tax Hike Amid Airline Pressure

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 22, 2025

Germany is considering a reversal of the air traffic tax hike introduced in May 2024, according to a report by Bild. The move comes amid growing pressure from airlines and concerns over high operational costs at German airports. The current coalition government plans to discuss the matter during the preparation of the 2026 budget.

The tax increase raised the surcharge for short-haul flights from €12.48 to €15.53 per ticket. This has been widely criticized by airlines, especially low-cost carriers like Ryanair, which claim that the added costs are making air travel to and from Germany less attractive. International airlines have also hinted at scaling back their operations in response to the high fees.

Christoph Ploss, the government's tourism policy coordinator, has been vocal in calling for a change. “The increase in air traffic tax must be cancelled, and charges at German airports must also be reduced,” he told Bild. He further noted that the tax hike made holidays more expensive for millions of Germans. “A well-deserved holiday in Mallorca must not become unaffordable,” he added.

Germany’s transport ministry reportedly supports the reversal and sees it as a step toward reducing financial strain on the aviation sector. The coalition government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has expressed a commitment to easing the burden on the travel industry, although no official timeline has been provided yet.

The announcement briefly lifted Lufthansa’s stock by 2.2%, reflecting positive sentiment from the market. Ralph Beisel, head of the ADV airports association, also welcomed the potential policy change. “A reorientation of aviation policy is needed in our country,” he said, calling the reversal “a first and urgent step in the right direction.”

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is expected to present the draft budget for 2026 in the coming week. While economic challenges and increased defence spending are putting pressure on the national budget, businesses and industry watchers are closely monitoring the government's next steps in offering relief to the aviation sector.


Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

Emirates has unveiled 'Emirates First', a new premium check-in zone at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, offering a private and elevated experience exclusively for its First Class travellers and Skywards Platinum members.

Just steps from the dedicated Emirates entrance, the new facility is designed to mirror the airline’s First Class luxury—with interiors featuring marble finishes, gold and bronze accents, and plush seating areas. The space is intentionally free of digital signage to maintain a calm, lounge-like atmosphere. Instead, the check-in process is handled via iPads or at elegantly crafted counters, providing a personalised, tech-enhanced experience.

The zone also includes family-friendly seating, allowing one member to complete formalities while others relax. Luggage is seamlessly routed through dedicated First Class belts for smoother transfers.

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“Emirates First reflects our continued investment in luxury travel,” said Adel al Redha, Deputy President & COO, Emirates. “It offers privacy, efficiency, and comfort at every step of the journey.”

Post check-in, passengers can proceed directly to the First Class lounges for à la carte dining, spa treatments, shopping concierge services, and more.

This initiative is part of Emirates’ broader First Class upgrades, which include Robert Welch caviar bowls, curated wine pairings, and a more refined onboard service. With over 26,800 First Class seats available weekly, Emirates continues to set the standard for top-tier travel experiences.


EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2025

Foreign travellers heading to Europe may soon have to pay nearly three times more for the region’s new digital travel permit. The European Union has proposed increasing the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee to 20 euros (approx. USD 23), a steep rise from the originally planned 7 euros.

This change, unveiled by the European Commission, comes as the EU aims to adjust for inflation, operational demands, and to better align the permit cost with global equivalents. For instance, the U.S. charges USD 21 for its ESTA, while the UK’s ETA costs 16 pounds (around USD 21).

Expected to roll out in the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS will be mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, entering any of the 27 EU member states (excluding Ireland) as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The permit will be valid for three years.

While travellers aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee, others will need to apply online before their trip. The system is intended to enhance border safety by identifying security risks, irregular migration, and other concerns in advance, making travel both safer and smoother for eligible visitors.

The European Parliament and member states now have two months to review this fee adjustment. Once approved, it will go into effect with the launch of the ETIAS system, which has already seen multiple delays, largely due to its link with a yet-to-be-implemented automated border control system.

This proposal comes amid the EU’s broader financial plan, including a two-trillion-euro long-term budget (2028–2034), which aims to fund priorities like defence and agriculture. Brussels hopes to raise funds through new revenue tools such as a carbon border tax and an e-waste levy, targeting 58 billion euros annually.

As the EU moves to strengthen both financial sustainability and border security, the updated ETIAS fee stands as a key piece of its evolving travel and economic framework.

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