Middle East Travel and Tourism Music and Arts Show in Jordan;s ancient Surroundings. Hashmite kingdom to host major annual festival set in ancient surroundings of spectacular scenery and historical sights Dubai, UAE, 23 May, 2004: Travellers from across the Middle East and overseas will be able to enjoy dance, music and theatre in the ancient surroundings of Jerash this summer as the most renowed festival in Jordan gets underway. Taking place from July 21st to August 7th 2004, the Jerash festival has become popular with guests staying at the InterContinental Amman who are lured by the line up of unsurpassed talent on show. Many international artists, musicians, poets and celebrities will be showcasing their unique talents in this event which will be held in what was originally known to be the Roman City of Jersho. Launched in 1981, the festival is based on the principle that life should be celebrated in jubilation and transforms the ancient city into one of the world's liveliest and most impressive events. The south theatre, north theatre and the steps of the Artemis Temple, located in the old city, are open to the performers and audiences alike. Amman is located just 50km away from Jerash and less than an hour by car, making it the perfect base for travelling daily to the Jerash festival. Amman is an enchanting city, a mix of ancient and modern spread over 19 hills, or jebels. Towering above the city is the Citadel, the site of Rabbath-Ammon where excavations have revealed numerous Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic remains.At the foot of the Citadel, carved into the hillside, lies one of the cities major tourist attractions known as the colossal Roman theatre. Visitors can also visit the Basman Palace, the Folklore Museum, the Museum of Popular Traditions and the National Archaeological Museum. Situated atop one of Amman's seven hills, the InterContinental Jordan is close to the city's main shopping district and offers 478 guest rooms, including seven suites, as well as a royal suite. Diners can choose from Lebanese, Indian and Mexican restaurants, a Deli Cafe, the Terrace, serving dishes from around the world, and The Atrium, where guests dine beneath a spectacular, sky view glass roof. Also managed by InterContinental Hotels Group in Jordan, the Crowne Plaza Petra, the Crowne Plaza Amman and the Holiday Inn Amman offer guidance for visitors keen to explore the capital and outlying attractions such as the ancient Roman city of Jerash and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.Bookings at any of the InterContinental Hotels Group properties in Jordan can be made with toll free calls to the company's Middle East Central Reservations Office in Dubai from Bahrain (800 880), Egypt (0800-4433322), Jordan (800-22666), Kuwait (473 2100 ext 6233), Lebanon (01 426-801 - ask operator to connect to 866 866 7556), Oman (800 777 999), Qatar (0800 971234), Saudi Arabia (800 897 1465), and the UAE (800 4642).Caption: Hadrian's Arch, Jerash is just 50km away from the InterContinental Amman which many tourists make their base when exploring the historical sights of this magnificent city. (KM News Bureau) Middle East IT New Products