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NOTE FROM STEPHANIE:
And here it is …! A summer issue of our newsflash! Packed with the sort of newsy tidbits of information you've come to expect from your favorite and most stylish Conference and Eventing Company, Stephanie Moss Solutions.
Enjoy it and let me know what appeals to you and what doesn't.
Regards
STEPHANIE MOSS
TOP 10 − WHERE TO LIVE LIKE A KING? TOP PALACE HOTELS
| 1. | Bussaco Palace Hotel − Luso, Portugal View Website
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| 2. | Palazzo Magnani Feroni − Florence, Italy View Website |
| 3. | Parador de Lerma − Castilla y Leon View Website |
| 4. | Taj Lake Palace − Udaipur, India View Website |
| 5. | Kempinski Hybernska Prague − Prague View Website |
| 6. | Ciragan Palace Kempinski − Istanbul, Turkey View Website |
| 7. | Taj Rambagh Palace − Jaipur, India View Website |
| 8. | Gritti Palace − Venice, Italy View Website |
| 9. | Hotel Du Palais − Biarritz, France View Website |
| 10. | Hotel de Crillon − Paris, France View Website |
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Built in the 19th century for the last Portuguese Kings, the Bussaco Palace Hotel is one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. It is located in the lush Bussaco National Forest, which was once the grounds of a Carmelite convent established in 1628.
1Time Holdings has denied rumours that the airline is going under or that it is merging with Velvet Sky, after announcing that Excalibur Aerospace has acquired a 29,6% stake in the company. Excalibur recently purchased 83 million shares in 1time Holdings − at 45c a share for R37,35 million − to be effected over a four−month period.
Construction is underway on a new mega−airport in Beijing that will have nine runways to relieve existing pressure on Beijing's Capital International Airport (BCIA), according to reports. Beijing handled 73 million passengers last year, and the airport has an annual capacity of 75 million passengers − which has resulted in fears that the city will be at breaking point in two years time.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is investigating claims that a number of airlines are still passing hidden costs onto customers when they book flights online.
Delta Air Lines has become the first airline in the world to provide in−flight Internet service onboard its regional aircraft with the launch flight of a Wi−Fi−equipped Bombardier CRJ700 operated by Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Delta began installing Wi−Fi on domestic mainline aircraft in 2008, becoming the first airline to announce plans for in−flight Internet service on all domestic aircraft. With its mainline aircraft and the addition of regional jets to the Wi−Fi program, more than 80 percent of Delta's entire domestic fleet will feature Gogo in−flight Internet access. Customers can stay connected using Gogo in−flight Internet with free access to delta.com or Delta's mobile applications.
Starting September 30, Velvet Sky will launch flights between Johannesburg and Polokwane.
The airline will operate both morning and evening flights. 
SOUTH African Airways has announced a nett profit of R782 million for the 2010−2011 financial year, a 77% increase on the restated figure of R442 million achieved the previous year. Announcing the results the airline said that the positive results were achieved despite the fact that the market is still recovering from the effects of the global financial crisis and as well as the fluctuating Brent crude price. SAA ceo Siza Mzimela said the results are due to improved internal governance structures, tight cost control, improved efficiencies within the business, as well as product enhancement and innovation. She added that these factors have ensured that the airline is well positioned for growth.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is planning to drop its investigation Gatwick Airport (GAL) following a complaint by Flybe, according to reports.
The Fairmont Palm Jumeirah is set to open along Dubai's Jumeirah coastline in 2012.
InterContinental Hotels Group has outlined plans for 100 new hotels in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Often referred to as 'The Oscars' of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards are globally recognised and are considered to be the highest achievement in the travel industry.
Grey Goose vodka and Virgin Atlantic have announced the opening of the world's best airport bar − the Grey Goose Loft at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow. This luxurious bar is located on the Upper deck of the Clubhouse and will offer Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers a bespoke experience and a level of service which until now could only be enjoyed in the top cocktail bars in the world. On arrival, each traveller will be presented with a freshly prepared amuse−bouche to whet their appetite. 
Jamaica's 2011 visitor arrivals have climbed 5.7% through August, representing a total of nearly 2.1 million visitors.
The Hotel ICON is owned by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and helps educate students at the School of Hotel & Tourism Management. Top architects and designers like Terence Conran and Vivienne Tam were recruited to create the restaurants and suites, and the general manager comes to the hotel from the luxury Shangri−La chain of hotels.
The ICC Durban has again been awarded the celebrated title of Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre.
The new Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Cape Town will be opening its doors on 1 November. The new hotel is only the second Park Inn by Radisson to open in South Africa.
TripAdvisor is facing a probe by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) following complaints from thousands of hoteliers and restaurateurs that its reviews are made up, according to reports. With over 45 million reviews of hotels, attractions and restaurants, which are written by travellers and holidaymakers is a hit with 50 million consumers − who use the website to decide which hotels offer the best accommodation. According to reports, Kwikchex.com has received numerous complaints and claims that reviews on the site were 'fake or defamatory'.
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa says it has seen a 400% increase in corporate conferencing. The hotel offers the largest conference facilities in the Franschhoek winelands area and has 63 rooms. The situation of the hotel makes for innovative conference break−aways, such as horse−back riding, team−building exercises, time out at Camelot Spa or soaking up the café culture of the Franschhoek village.
Ground has been broken on the construction of a new state−of−the−art office building in South Africa's leading tourist attraction, the V&A Waterfront. When finished, it will feature one of the most advanced intelligent building management systems in Africa.
The Franschhoek Wine Valley has launched Franschhoek Rond en Bont following the success of its Food & Wine Route. The new route will aim to encourage visitors to the area to experience its diversity within its various communities.
Two wild male cheetahs have arrived at Gondwana Reserve, near Mossel Bay, to join the females that were released there in September last year. Gondwana intends to play a significant role in cheetah conservation in the Western Cape and will await positive interaction within its existing cheetah population.
A fabulous Burlesque evening is sure to appeal to just about every individual and group. Why not consider a private dinner and show for your year−end function. Dress up to fit in with the theme of the show, dress up or just be comfortable. With great music, amazing costumes and superb singing this is sure to be a memorable way to bring the year to a close!
Rooms with a view are the new 'in thing' for events and year end functions this year. Are you interested in the hottest, newest and most luxurious rooms with a view? We have an array of 'uber cool' venues for you to choose from. 
