Sports enthusiasts encouraged to mark their calendars for

18th April sport-tourism event

Amman, March 11th, 2013

Internal and external tourism in Jordan is expected to receive a further boost with the launch of the second edition of Discover Jordan Rally Tour, which is to take place in April of this year in strategic partnership with Zain Jordan. This adventure-oriented event is also planned to become one of the country's landmark sport tourism events, according to officials and organizers at a press conference on Monday 11th March, at the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan.

Commenting on Discover Jordan Rally Tour, set to kick-off on April 18, the Minister of Tourism & Antiquities, His Excellency Mr. Nayef Hmaeidi Al-Fayez, said: "The Ministry of Tourism is supporting this international annual event considering its effectiveness as a tool in promoting both internal and external tourism, through its creatively outlined strategy. We are delighted to be supporting this project as it continues to grow and attract participants from both Jordan and abroad and it contributes to strengthening Jordan's position as an international tourism destination in addition to enriching tourists experience while visiting the various sites in the country. This event falls in line with the various activities and event held annually in Jordan to highlight the significance of Jordan as a tourism destination.

The rally tour is a three day event that will gather car enthusiasts, families and tourists to discover the most significant historical, religious and touristic sites Jordan has to offer. Building on last year's success, the annual international event is being organized by iSports in association with the Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities (MOTA), Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (RACJ), Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) and the Greater Municipality of Amman (GAM), along with strategic partners from the private sector. With registration now open, participants interested in taking part have until the 25th March to sign up.

The press conference on Monday discussed the role of the private sector as a vital partner in promoting Jordan to domestic and foreign audiences, while highlighting the role of major players like Zain Jordan, the leading telecommunications provider, in the success of the event.

The CEO of Zain Jordan Mr. Ahmad Al Hanandeh said, "Zain understands the significance and value of the tourism sector and the major role it plays in the economy. With that in mind, we established a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in order to contribute to the development of the tourism sector in the kingdom and highlight the rich heritage and culture of the country.

He added, "In line with Zain Jordan's efforts of promoting local tourism and the amazing touristic sites in Jordan, we decided to extend both financial and in-kind support towards this three-day tour. As strategic partners of Discover Jordan Rally Tour 2013, we are sharing our knowledge of the Jordanian landscape and our logistical expertise to help enhance the experience of all those taking part.

In covering the details of the second edition of Discover Jordan Rally Tour, Othman Nassif, Managing Director of iSports, pointed out that, similarly to last year, a group of no less than two individuals with a valid driving license are eligible to participate in their own car. "The route has been extensively planned and outlined so as to give participants the chance to explore as much of Jordan as possible," Nassif said, adding, "We have introduced a parade in Amman this year, as well as new route destinations to maximize the adventurous spirit of the event and to further engage the participants in a journey to discover the new breath-taking scenery and sites mapped-out for them."

With regards to the events safety control, the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan's General Manager Ms. Huda Qassem confirmed that the event does not require special skills from any of the participating drivers, with primary focus being placed on road and public safety, above everything else. "RACJ makes sure that the event's standards are in line with the highest technical standards to ensure the safety of participants through a number of RACJ's representatives on the road. Such standards fall in line with international requirements that FIA adopts - is the governing body of motorsport worldwide and the representative of 60 million road and track users from over 230 member clubs, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile is the global motoring organization. FIA is also a partner of the UN's Action for Road Safety".

Discover Jordan Rally Tour 2013 is sponsored both financially and in-kind by Zain Jordan, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Kumho, Ayla Oasis Development Company, Dead Sea Crowne Plaza, Al-Tahadi Travel & Tours, Why Wander international travel agency, MBC Action, Torque Magazine, U Men Magazine, Viv Magazine, Al-Ghad, Roya TV, Jordan TV, Play FM and Nashama FM.

-Ends-

About iSports
iSports, Jordan's newest sports management company, has officially launched in the market. With a wide range of services on offer, iSports is a one-stop shop for organizing events on both a professional and leisure level. With its core strengths lying in multidiscipline event management, public relations, consultancy and strategic communications solutions, iSports possesses an ideal platform to actively serve the sports sector in the Kingdom and its various stakeholders including; athletes, federations, public & private companies, non-governmental organizations and charity related events. iSports, with an overall objective of improving the sporting environment in Jordan, provides an array of services that include, the development and implementation of online and offline marketing strategies, event creation management services, consultation services, sponsorship program management, sponsorship package development and fundraising. The company's expertise and specialization in the field, coupled with its commitment to creating the unexpected, provides iSports with much excitement regarding the prospects that lie ahead.

For more information on the Discover Jordan Rally Tour, visit www.facebook.com/iSportsArabia & www.facebook.com/DiscoverJordanRallyTour

For further information please contact:
Karim Lahleh
Account Manager
iSports
Tel: +9626 461 1014
Fax: +9626 461 1018
Email: k.lahleh@irelations.com.jo

© Press Release 2013