Dubai. 03 May 2005: InterContinental Hotels Group - the world's most global hotel company - announced today it is opening the doors this May to its newest hotel in the region, the InterContinental Aqaba in Jordan. As the largest operator of hotels in the Middle East, InterContinental Hotels Group now boasts five properties in Jordan with the opening of this luxury five-star resort hotel. 

The opening of the 255-room development, which provides the ultimate in luxurious accommodation for holidaymakers and business people, will further bolster the country's status as a premier destination in the Middle East.

Discussing the impact of the hotel's opening on Jordan's tourism industry, Denis Johnson, vice president, Sales and Marketing, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East and Africa, said: "The tourism industry has been growing steadily in recent years and with the opening of high-quality properties such as the InterContinental Aqaba it just further encourages future development. The first class accommodation coupled with the diversity of activities on offer in Jordan creates the perfect break."

Crowning the peak of the Red Sea on the Gulf of Aqaba the hotel boasts the longest stretch of private beach in Aqaba - with more than 300 meters of white sand. Just a 10 minute taxi ride from King Hussein International Airport, the accommodation at the InterContinental Aqaba includes Deluxe, Presidential and Royal suites - with superb sea views. Providing the highest level of luxury, it also offers a choice of Lebanese and French fine dining, an all-day coffee shop, a Deli Caf and lobby bar and a Piano bar to suit every taste.

Business visitors are tipped to enjoy the hotel's Club InterContinental floor, high speed internet access, modern meeting rooms and the impressive 1,100sqm banqueting hall. Leisure guests, meanwhile, can relax in the large swimming pool, state-of-the-art health and fitness centre and enjoy a wide variety of beach activities, with children catered for at a toddlers' pool and club.

Positioned as the jewel in the Middle East's crown, Jordan has a wide appeal based on its diversity including stunning countryside, nature reserves, wildlife and birdlife, the shores of the Red and Dead seas to the deserts of Wadi Rum. "Simply, it is hard to find such an incredible diversity in such a small country anywhere in the world," said Osama Dabbas, general manager, InterContinental Aqaba. "With its balmy winter climate and idyllic setting, Aqaba is Jordan's year round aquatic playground. The thriving underwater marine life and crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Aqaba make diving conditions here among the best in the world."

Located 330km south of Amman, Aqaba is also ideal for history enthusiast with sites reflecting human habitation back to 4000BC, resulting from the city's strategic location at the junction of trading routes between Asia, Africa and Europe. Petra is only 110 kilometres north of Aqaba and Wadi rum is 50km away.

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About InterContinental Hotels Group
InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels across the region can be booked with toll-free calls to the InterContinental Hotels Group Middle East Central Reservations Office in Bahrain (80000 880), Egypt (0800-4433322), Jordan (0800-22666), Kuwait (473 2100 ext 6233), Lebanon (01 426-801 - ask operator to connect to 866 866 7556), Oman (800 777 999), Pakistan (00800 909 971234) Qatar (0800 971234), Saudi Arabia (800 897 1465), and the UAE (800 4642).

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's most global hotel company and the largest by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 3,500 hotels and 535,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world (www.ichotelsgroup.com). The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites, and also has a controlling interest in Britvic, the second largest soft drinks manufacturer in the UK. InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and reservations capability on the Internet - www.intercontinental.com for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts,

www.crowneplaza.com for Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, www.holiday-inn.com for Holiday Inn hotels, www.hiexpress.com for Holiday Inn Express hotels, www.staybridge.com for Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn hotels, and www.candlewoodsuites.com for Candlewood Suites, and for the Group's rewards programme, www.priorityclub.com For the latest news from InterContinental Hotels Group, visit our online Press Office at www.pressoffice.ihgplc.com

Dana Aboul-Jabine,
Senior Account Executive
Impact Porter Novelli
Emirates Towers, 16th Floor
P.O. Box 19791, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
T: +9714 330 4030 Ext:414
F: +9714 330 4031
M: +97150 350 9560
E: d.aboul-jabine@ipn.ae

© Press Release 2005