The terminal will be able to accommodate up to 9 million passengers per year, doubling the total capacity of Queen Alia International Airport. The airport is Jordan’s principle air gateway and the hub of Royal Jordanian, Jordan’s national carrier and a member of the One World Alliance. Preparations for the opening have been in progress for two years. ADPM is a shareholder and the sole operator of the airport under a 25-year concession. More than 30 airlines have been transferred into the new facility.

On a family trip to Jordan, families can look forward to camping with the local Bedouin and exploring the vast desert, scrambling over the ruins of
ancient Roman and Nabatean civilisations on a trip to Jerash and Petra, walking in the footsteps of Moses and experiencing the magical buoyancy of the Dead Sea.

To encourage more families to travel to the country, Visit Jordan has launched a new microsite, full of ideas for things to do and see in the country – including tips and testimonials from kids themselves: http://visitjordan.com/family/

Below are some of the top family adventures in Jordan:

1. Get muddy and float on the Dead Sea
Even kids who hate bath time will love the experience of floating in the Dead Sea! The high salt content makes the water ultra-buoyant, allowing you to float on the surface of the water with no effort. After a short soak in the waters, get mucky and slather mineral-rich Dead Sea mud over your body – it’s not only great fun, but also great for the skin.

2. Channel Indiana Jones and Tintin and discover the ancient city of Petra
Tell the kids that they will be exploring the Lost City of Petra in the footsteps of their heroes like Indiana Jones and Tintin and they will definitely not be disappointed. Hidden for centuries, it wasn’t until a Swiss explorer ‘discovered’ Petra in 1812 that this fantastic national treasure finally became known to the western world. Instead of the usual bedtime story, take the family to experience the candle lit Petra by Night to hear tales and music from the local Bedouins against the magnificent backdrop of the Treasury.

3. Take part in a Chariot race through Jerash
Bring the Roman Empire back to life with a chariot race through the ancient city of Jerash – one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the
world. Kids will enjoy imagining they are gladiators defending the Roman Empire from attack whilst witnessing Roman Army warfare techniques. Chariot races also take place daily against the backdrop of colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, bathhouses and magnificent oval plaza. This is definitely better than any classroom history lesson! For more information and bookings, please visit: www.jerashchariots.com

4. Camp out under the stars in Wadi Rum
Riding a camel like Lawrence of Arabia through the iconic and breathtaking desert scenery at Wadi Rum is a fantastic family adventure, but for those who prefer a faster pace, why not opt for a dynamic 4×4 ride instead? For the ultimate adventure, families can camp out under the stars in a traditional Bedouin-style goat’s hair tent.

5. Visit the Children’s Museum in Amman
Jordan opened its first Children’s Museum in 2007 and it remains a firm favourite with both local and visiting families. The brainchild of the country’s Queen Rania, the Children’s Museum features over 150 interactive exhibits that children can touch, experiment, create and discover. For more information, please visit: www.cmj.jo

6. Try out water sports on the Red Sea
Kids will love diving into Nemo’s underwater world in Aqaba, Jordan’s beautiful Red Sea resort. With its warm waters teeming with brightly coloured fish and friendly sea life like turtles and dolphins, you’ll have to find something to lure them out of the water! Plenty of water sports are also
on offer, as well as swimming pools, whirlpools and waterslides at the nearby luxury hotels.

G Adventures released its 2013 North Africa and Middle East brochure, including 46 tours, 11 of them new.

For 2013, the operator also expanded its Local Living program to Morocco.

In the brochure, itineraries are categorized by price, style, service level, type, physical demand and length.

Inclusions and key tour highlights are listed for simplicity.

The new trips include Marrakech Moroccan Villa Local Living, which enables clients to become immersed in Moroccan life with a stay in a traditional riad, shopping in the souks, a cooking class or a hammam spa visit.

The five-day program is priced from $499, land only.

The Jordan Active Adventure includes a trek in Ajloun Nature Reserve, and opportunities to rappel and climb down canyons to the Dead Sea, wander through the desert to see the ruins of Petra, and hike through the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

The nine-day program is priced from $1,299.

Effective Jan. 1, G Adventures programs are 100 percent guaranteed departures.

The winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture (1962), Lawrence of Arabia tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, an eccentric British officer who united the Arab desert tribes against the Turks in WW1. Starring Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness and Omar Sharif, the film was shot on location in Jordan and put Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, firmly on the map as a film tourism destination. No other film has captured the expanse of the desert with such scope and grandeur.

Located to the east of Aqaba, Wadi Rum is one the Jordan’s largest Wadi’s (valleys) and highlights include the Red Sand Dunes and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom which were shot on a Super Panavision 70mm, the largest frame possible, as director David Lean was keen to capture the splendour of the scenery. The film also features the ancient Crusader castle of Karak. Built by Baldwin I of Jerusalem in 1142 AD, it greatly impressed Lawrence on his study tour in 1909 and he spent many days exploring the castle’s tunnels and dungeons.

To celebrate the launch of the film, Visit Jordan has launched a Lawrence of Arabia microsite at www.visitjordan.com/lawrenceofarabia and several tour operators are promoting adventure tours to the country:

Splendours of Jordan with Cox & Kings
This eight-day/seven-night group tour highlights the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Jordan, including the well-preserved city of Jerash, the biblical site of Mount Nebo and the mosaics in Madaba and Karak castle, as well as two full days in Petra. The tour ends in the shifting sands of Wadi Rum and the curative waters of the Dead Sea. Accommodation is in five-star hotels throughout. The tour is priced at £1,612 per person. For more information or to book visit www.coxandkings.co.uk

Jordan Discovery Small Group Tour with Travelbag This eight day small group tour includes an overnight stay in the capital Amman, visits to Madaba and Mount Nebo, as well as a full day to explore Petra. A two hour 4WD tour of Wadi Rum follows as well as a day to explore both the Red Sea resort of Aqaba and the Dead Sea. Prices start from £629 per person. www.travelbag.co.uk

Totally Jordan with On The Go
This eight day trip includes visits to Roman ruins, crusader castles and the holy lands of Jordan, as well as overnight stays at the Dead Sea, the Rose City of Petra and, of course, the iconic Wadi Rum. The tour departs monthly throughout the year with prices starting from £699 per
person. www.onthegotours.com

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For media information and images of Jordan, please contact: Jenny Groutage at The Brighter Group; tel: 0207 7326 9880 or jenny.groutage@brightergroup.com

About Jordan
Situated in the heart of the Arabian Desert, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is considered to be the safest in all of the Middle East. The country is roughly the same size as Portugal, and has a population of around six million people.

From the hustle and bustle of the capital Amman to southern desert, Jordan is awash with biblical, historical and cultural significance. Jordan’s iconic
landmarks include the panoramic views from Mount Nebo, the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This year, 2012, marks the 200th anniversary of the two-thousand year old ‘Lost City’ of Petra, recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and also the 50th anniversary of Lawrence of Arabia.

Sunny Egypt -
Party with the Pharaohs – 6 days
The ideal mini – getaway! Spend Xmas Day or New Year’s Eve relaxing by the pool in sunny Cairo! We’ll reveal the very best of ancient Egypt this Xmas or New Year’s from the legendary Pyramids and antiquity filled Egyptian Museum, to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings and back again! Departs 24 and 26 December – £379 per person excluding flights

5-star Egypt-
Jewel of the Nile – 10 days
Enjoy a five star sunny Egyptian adventure the Xmas. Stay in one of Cairo’s smartest hotels and cruise the River Nile in style aboard a 5 star Nile cruiser. Relax and unwind, enjoy the serenity of the Nile Valley, whilst discovering the very best of ancient Egypt! Departs 21 or 28 December – £949 per person excluding flights

Ancient Jordan -
Enjoy XMAS in Petra or New Years Wadi Rum – 8 days
Jordan is overflowing with magnetic attractions. Discover the Rose City of Petra, float like a cork on the Dead Sea and camp under the stars in remote Wadi Rum! Xmas in Petra departs 22 & NY in Wadi Rum departs 27 December – both tours £779 per person excluding flights

Chilly Russia -
News Years Red Square – 9 days
Where will you be celebrating on New Year’s Eve? Ring in the New Year in Moscow’s Red Square, journey through Russia’s heartland for some alpine fun and a steamy banya in Pskov before heading north to beautiful St Petersburg. Departs 29 Dec – £679 per person excluding flights

Exotic Turkey -
Christmas Turkey – 12 days
Enjoy a proper slice of Turkey this Christmas with snowflakes on fairy chimneys, legendary sites at Ephesus, Troy and Aspendos, thermal springs at Pamukkale and Christmas Eve at St Nic’s! Departs 18 December – £749 per person excluding flights

Morocco Madness -
Christmas in Morocco – 8 days
Make your way to magical Morocco this Christmas, a short hop from Europe but worlds apart. An exotic land of spices, ancient Kasbahs, rolling Saharan sands, verdant valleys and bustling souks. Departs 23 December – £579 per person excluding flights

Surf the New Year- 11 Days
Spend a cracking Christmas exploring the Atlas, snap up some bargains in the souks of Marrakech and ring in the New Year beachside in Essaouira, on Morocco’s stunning Atlantic coast! Departs 23 December – £679 per person excluding fights

Incredible India -
Shere Khan – 9 days
With all the highlights of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, we also go in search of Shere Khan himself, at Ranthambhore, one of India’s best national parks and home of the tiger! Departs 19 December – £729 per person excludes flights

Nestled on the Sinai Peninsula, the holidaymaker’s haven offers a choice of six hotels, an award-winning golf course, stunning coral formations for diving or snorkelling and a marina, from which guests can take a day trip to Petra in Jordan, one of the New7Wonders of the World.

“Many of our UK guests visit Taba Heights for rest and relaxation, golf and/or diving but those who want to take advantage of our fantastic location can take a short 30-minute boat ride to Jordan to experience the magic and splendour of Petra,” says Sherine Sennara, Public Relations Manager of Orascom Development Destinations Marketing Department.

“Our location, overlooking Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia means that we have plenty of excursions to offer including visits to Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and of course trips to Luxor,” continues Sennara.

Example winter sun package from Holiday Designers

Enjoy a seven-night half-board holiday at the five-star Hyatt Regency in Taba Heights, departing Manchester on 20 November 2012 from £545 per person. Prices include return flights, half-board accommodation based on two people sharing a standard room and taxes.

To book call 020 3384 0023 or visit www.holiday-designers.com.

Day trips to Petra by boat cost from £125 ($US 200) with Pro Tours Travel

Starting early, the escorted day trip to Petra includes a guided tour of the ancient city, an English-speaking guide, lunch at the Movenpick in Petra, transfers in Jordan from the port by road, a short horse ride and a return passage on a luxury boat from Taba Heights marina Trip details.

To book and for further details visit www.protourstravel.com

About Orascom Development
With more than 20 years’ experience, OD is a leading global developer of fully integrated towns, offering hotels, private villas and apartments, leisure facilities such as golf courses and marinas along with all related facilities and supporting infrastructure. The Group operates projects at different stages of completion in Egypt, Jordan, U.A.E., Oman, Switzerland, Morocco, United Kingdom, Montenegro and Romania. Currently, the Group manages four destinations: El Gouna, the flagship project on the Red Sea Coast in Egypt, Taba Heights on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, The Cove in Ras Al Khaimah in the U.A.E. and Haram City, the affordable housing town in the outskirts of Cairo in Egypt.

About Taba Heights
Picturesque Taba Heights is beautifully located among the mountain ranges of the Sinai Peninsula and is uniquely positioned overlooking four countries – Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The luxury resort has 5km of natural beaches and provides access to some of the world’s best dive and coral sites. Taba Heights has been developed by the world’s best architects and its 18-hole championship golf course is promoted as the most beautiful golf course in Egypt. There are six operating hotels with a current capacity of 2,365 rooms, to accommodate holiday guests from all over the world.
With a fully functioning port, Taba Heights is recognized as an official entry into Egypt making it popular for excursions and day trips to places like Petra and the Dead Sea.

For more information, please visit www.tabaheights.com

The insightful guide provides a perfect introduction to Jordan for first time visitors, from advice for getting the most out of a day trip to the ‘red rose city’ of Petra to ideas for experiencing true Bedouin hospitality in Wadi Rum. There are also tips for discovering more off-the-beaten track destinations such as the Eastern Desert and the Decapolis Cities.

The 282-page guide boasts a full-colour picture guide to unmissable Jordan highlights, from floating in the Dead Sea to discovering Jordan’s ancient past in the capital Amman. Helpful Arabic phrases are also included, along with information on luxury, up-market, mid-range, budget and shoestring eating and accommodation options.

Carole French, author of the Bradt Travel Guide to Jordan commented: “I’ve long admired Jordan and have constantly urged friends and family to visit the country – providing them with both motivation and advice. This drove me to want to share my experiences of, and my passion for, this captivating country, and so the Bradt guide to Jordan was born.

“This is Bradt’s first guide to Jordan and so it’s jam packed with information for both the first time visitor and regular travellers to the region. I hope that the guide suitably reflects my passion for this inspirational, vibrant and colourful kingdom.”

The Bradt Travel Guide to Jordan is now available for purchase for £16.99 from www.bradtguides.com as well as from Amazon worldwide, Waterstones and Stanfords.

“Readers interested in getting off the beaten path to learn about experiences authentic travel provide now have a place to turn to for up-to-the-minute tips and advice,” said Andrew Hickey, G Adventures’ social media manager.

“The site is a comprehensive resource on all aspects of travel — and things not related to travel as well. And we want readers to join the conversation — from first-time travelers dreaming of new horizons to road-ready adventurers eager to report back on what they saw, who they met, what they ate and where they stayed.”

In commemoration of its reaching 300,000 likes on its Facebook page, G Adventures is offering visitors to the blog the opportunity to win a trip on the Highlights of Jordan tourwith air provided by Visit Jordan. Each day a new article about Jordan will be posted with a trivia question.

Readers who provide the correct answer will be entered to win. One winner will be selected and announced on the blog on Tuesday, Aug. 21.

The agreement offer Royal Plus members preferential rates on car rentals at Hertz locations across the airline’s international network of 59 destinations, while earning 500 Royal Plus miles for each booking. This doubles up to 1,000 Royal Plus miles for those booking cars from the Hertz Prestige Collection. Royal Plus members also can take advantage of exclusive offers through a new, dual branded Hertzlink booking platform, which can be accessed from the airline’s website. They will receive instant confirmation and guarantee of booking.

Travelers will have a chance to experience several of the Middle East’s prime destinations on a new Beyond Boundaries Travel itinerary to Jordan and Israel in late Summer/Autumn 2012. The creators of the Egypt Bike and Sail itineraries along the Nile that garnered so much media attention for their creativity and new ideas have created this itinerary that returns travelers to the region for visits to some of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the Middle East.

“We plan to visit the fantastic Wadi Rum and the Red Sea town of Aqaba to experience the film location sites from Lawrence of Arabia to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the film’s release in 1962,” said Jeannie Barresi of Beyond Boundaries Travel. “We’ll also visit the film location sites in Petra from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” as well as the eternal city of Jerusalem and the ever popular tourist sites at Masada and the Dead Sea.” Guests will have a chance to travel to Egypt and Saladdin’s Fortress on Pharaoh’s Island as well as take an optional excursion to Egypt’s Sinai Desert and the Greek Orthodox St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai, where Moses was purported to have received the Ten Commandments.

A first night in Jordan’s capital of Amman will launch this ten-day, nine-night experience, giving guests a chance to relax before venturing out to Israel, Jerusalem, Masada, the Dead Sea and Southern Jordan and the Red Sea beaches at Aqaba.

The package includes one night each in hotels in Amman and Jerusalem, 5 nights in a hotel in Aqaba, round-trip airfare from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), four full-day guided excursions including a 4WD jeep excursion to Wadi Rum, a guided trek to Petra, a guided trek to Masada, and a guided tour of Jerusalem, Several meals are included as well.

Book by August 15, and save $1500 per person with prices starting at $2669 per person (after the discount) including airfare from New York or Chicago. Upgrades to 4 and 5 star hotels available.

Since 1991, Beyond Boundaries Travel has transported thousands of travelers to the Middle East, Europe, the UK/Scotland and Asia for unique adventures in exotic parts of the world.

Beyond Boundaries Travel and its sister companies have also been featured in National Geographic Intelligent Traveler, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Dallas Morning Herald, Elevation Outdoors Magazine as well as in Daily Candy and Matador Network.

For more information or to reserve your adventure, visit the website at www.beyondboundariestravel.com/mp/jordan-israel / or contact  Jeannie Barresi at 719.471.0222.