By Sitaram Mewati
Building on the success of its “Spectacular Saudi” campaign, the Saudi Tourism Authority brought an immersive destination experience to Kolkata with the showcase titled “Essence of Saudi.” Held at Ozora, the rooftop venue at Acropolis Mall, the event introduced the eastern India market to Saudi Arabia through a unique blend of fragrance, culture and storytelling.
Conceptualised as a sensory journey, the experience used signature scents to represent different regions of the Kingdom. Key destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of AlUla and the pristine Saudi Red Sea were each translated into distinct fragrance profiles that reflected their atmosphere, heritage and natural character.
Riyadh was represented through warm spice and woody notes, while Jeddah’s coastal energy came alive through fresh citrus tones. Taif, known for its roses and perfumery tradition, was expressed through a rich oudh-based fragrance layered with soft leather and amber. AlUla, once a crossroads of ancient civilizations, was portrayed through deep amber and earthy patchouli, and the Saudi Red Sea was captured with a fresh, marine-inspired scent.
The event also offered a hands-on blending experience, allowing participants to create their own personalised fragrance while learning about Saudi Arabia’s cultural depth and evolving tourism narrative under Vision 2030. The strong response from Kolkata’s travel trade highlighted growing interest in Saudi Arabia as a destination for Indian travellers seeking distinctive luxury and authentic cultural experiences.
Strengthening this momentum, Saudia and Air India have announced a codeshare agreement effective February 2026, enabling smoother connections from Kolkata and other Indian cities to destinations in Saudi Arabia via Delhi and Mumbai. Currently, six airlines connect the two countries with over 300 weekly flights, reflecting steadily rising demand.
Saudi Arabia is further enhancing its global appeal with major attractions such as the upcoming Six Flags Qiddiya City and the ongoing Riyadh Season, which continues to draw international attention through world-class entertainment and sporting events. Together, these initiatives are positioning the Kingdom as a compelling year-round destination for travellers from India and across the world.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
