CAIRO, 17 December 2002 — Egypt and Jordan have been given toll-free phone links for instant reservations at Inter.Continental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Forum hotels and resorts across the Middle East and around the world. By calling the newly introduced toll-free numbers in Egypt (0800-4433322) and Jordan (800-22666), travel agents, as well as business and leisure travelers, make direct contract with the Six Continents Hotels Middle East Central Reservations Office (MECRO) in Dubai. Bilingual reservations agents are available seen days a week to quickly confirm bookings at more than 3,300 Inter.Continental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Forum hotels worldwide. Six Continents Hotels opened MECRO in May, and the response form travel agents and members of the public has far surpassed expectations, with an average of more than 16,000 callers using the new reservations hub.