PRESS RELEASE

LONDON 5 NOVEMBER 2014. WORLD TRAVEL MARKET

The Ministry of Tourism celebrates 10 years since the formation of the ministry at the world’s largest travel and tourism expo in London this week. With over 5000 exhibitors from 178 countries, Oman proudly positions itself at the destination of choice, offering some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, luxurious hotels, and welcoming citizens.

Among the visitors to the stand were UK classic car event organisers, Ruba Jurdi and Arthur op den Brouw founders of Rally Royale, launching the Oman Grand Tour 2015.

The Oman Grand tour is a premium classic car rally of Arabia’s best-kept secret. It is the first ever long-distance classic car tour to be held exclusively in Oman. An exciting addition to the international calendar for long-distance luxury rallies. Rally Royale are planning to make this a regular event.

With the network of superb roads and premium facilities that Oman offers, this rally will unite luxury classes of period cars with premium lifestyle experiences. A select group of 26 pre-70s classic cars will make the 21-day Grand Tour which will coincide with the run up to the Sultanate’s 45th national day celebrations. Covering more than 4,000 kilometres, the drivers will stay at some of the world’s finest hotels, enjoy local culture, and marvel at the breath-taking landscape of this country.

Ms. Ruba Jurdi, CEO and visionary behind Rally Royale, arrives in Muscat this month to make final route preparations. Jurdi explains … “with such a prestigious event, the most important task for us is to develop an itinerary that engages all the senses. I’ll be reviewing the route we have outlined, to ensure it offers a thrilling driving experience, and at the same time, connects us to the heritage and culture of local communities and regions.”

Co-founder Arthur op den Brouw states that “we want to offer our drivers the best driving experiences in the world. These vintage vehicles are incredible machines, and are at their very best on the road inspiring awe and curiosity. We are so fortunate that so many are still on the roads around the world.”

With the official launch of the Oman Grand Tour, the Rally Royale team will now focus on raising awareness and establishing contact with drivers within the worldwide classic car community. For further information visit the official website: www.rallyroyale.com

ENDS

Rally Royale is a VVIP premium auto rally venture focused on lifestyle Grand Tours that relax, revive and engage all the senses. After participating in the world’s most prestigious classic car rallies, CEO and founder, Ruba Jurdi, had the vision to use epic events to inspire cross cultural exchange and enhance positive relations between countries.

Together with branding specialist Arthur op den Brouw, Rally Royale was formed in January 2013. Whilst searching for new locations, Oman stood out as the hidden jewel – a fusion of different cultures and superb driving conditions. Rally Royale have been coordinating their plans with various key organisations including Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, The Oman Automobile Association and the UKTI.

THE GRAND TOUR ‘Grand Tour’ is commonly associated with the Grand Tourer or GT, which is a high performance or luxury car capable of high speed comfortable long-distance driving. Its root however, is the traditional trip in Europe where wealthy men and women would travel across the continent as an educational rite of passage. This is a great opportunity for those who want to explore unexplored destinations.

Full details are available at www.rallyroyale.com. An electronic version of our brochure can be found here: www.rallyroyale.com/brochure. Please ask for more paper brochures if needed.

In cooperation with:

Left to Right: CEO Ruba Jurdi of Rally Royale, Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Marketing Director Arthur op den Brouw of Rally Royale.

Left to Right: CEO Ruba Jurdi of Rally Royale, Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism, UK Marketing Brand Representative, Alison Cryer of Oman Tourism and Marketing Director Arthur op den Brouw of Rally Royale.

Group shot of exhibitors at the World Travel Market in London.