Sundus Rotana sponsors Oman Desert Marathon 2017
THE Oman Desert Marathon announced Sundus Rotana, the new contemporary upscale business hotel in Muscat, Oman, as a proud sponsor, offering special rates to marathon runners.
Returning for its fifth year from November 17 to 25, the Oman Desert Marathon is known as probably the most uncompromising footrace on the planet, covering 165km over six days, requiring runner to be completely self-sufficient. The Oman Desert Marathon attracts over 150 runners from 16 countries whose adventure takes them into breathtaking terrain of the Oman Desert.
“The whole team at Sundus Rotana is thrilled to partner with Oman Desert Marathon during this ultra-endurance event. We truly appreciate the fantastic opportunity of having the runners stay in our stylish hotel, and we are pleased to join them in promoting sports activities, a healthy lifestyle and teamwork in Oman”, said Mark McCarthy, the general manager at Sundus Rotana.
Sundus Rotana hotel will provide 30 per cent off their best available rate for the marathon runners visiting Muscat before or after the race.
Webjet scales up operations with acquisition
WEBJET Limited has agreed to acquire JacTravel, joining Sunhotels, Lots of Hotels and FIT Ruums in its B2B division, WebBeds. The $257 million acquisition will propel WebBeds to become one of the world’s largest B2B travel providers. Webjet is acquiring JacTravel from Vitruvian Partners and its management team who will retain a shareholding in the enlarged Group.
London-based JacTravel is among the largest independent B2B platforms in Europe. The company operates two distinct brands, JacTravel and totalstay.com, both of which will now become part of the WebBeds business.
Whilst WebBeds’ focus is on the long-term benefits of the acquisition, the acquisition of JacTravel will also deliver immediate benefits. JacTravel currently has a portfolio of 10,000 directly contracted hotels, 7,000 of which are unique to WebBeds. Additionally, the 3,000 overlapping hotel contracts will further deepen the company’s allocation and availability. With a headcount of over 900 employees, WebBeds will be able to provide truly local support to its worldwide network of partners. It will feature a global portfolio of more than 225,000 hotels, of which 17,000 are directly contracted, in all regions of the globe.
WebBeds is bullish about the future growth of the travel industry. The growth rate of international tourism arrivals is consistently outpacing the expansion of the global economy, while the global commercial air fleet is projected to double in size over the next decade to accommodate rising passenger demand. Consolidation is a key trend in the industry and WebBeds is confident that by expanding its operations, it will be able to drive further growth for the benefit of the wider industry.
Inaugural Sharjah Summer Campaign debuts
THE ongoing Sharjah Summer Campaign organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) continues to offer a wide range of prizes, discounts and special shopping mall events to provide a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. The campaign aims to promote Sharjah as a leading regional and international summer destination in line with Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021.
As part of the campaign, Mega Mall of Sharjah is offering discounts up to 70 per cent, promotional packages, valuable prizes and a host of entertainment activities such as a ‘Kids Summer Camp’ aimed at developing the skills and abilities of children. Other kid-friendly offerings include workshops and arts and crafts sessions for inspiring creativity, learning and thinking. The mall will also organize a live cooking show featuring various easy recipes.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of SCTDA, said: “The Sharjah Summer Campaign’s various family-friendly entertainment activities, special offers, discounts and prizes continue to attract more local and foreign tourists to the emirate. So far it is on track to hit its target of 10 million tourists in line with Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021.”