Saudi Arabia Promotes Tourism in Kolkata with Fragrance-Themed Experience

Saudi Arabia Strengthens Tourism Outreach In Kolkata

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), through its consumer-facing brand ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia,’ hosted an exclusive experiential event in Kolkata, Eastern India’s largest metropolitan city. Titled “Essence of Saudi,” the showcase took place at Ozora, a rooftop restaurant in the upscale Acropolis Mall.

The event offered a unique, immersive introduction to Saudi Arabia through a fragrance-themed experience. Signature scents representing different cities and regions, Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, the UNESCO World Heritage site of AlUla, and the pristine Red Sea coast were used to evoke each destination’s distinctive atmosphere, culture, and natural beauty.

The capital, Riyadh, was embodied through Spice Woods, a blend of warm spices with earthy, musky, and woody notes. Jeddah, the vibrant coastal gateway, was captured through Citrus Elixir, a warm, cozy scent of tangerine and bergamot. Taif, long celebrated for its roses and perfumery heritage, was expressed through Regal Oudh (Taif), a herbaceous, oudh-forward fragrance layered with earthy woods, soft leather, smoky amber, and gentle spices. Once a crossroads of ancient civilisations, AlUla was represented by Amber Patchouli, a deep, resinous composition of amber and earthy patchouli, while the Saudi Red Sea was evoked through Ocean Breeze, a fresh, green, marine-inspired aquatic scent.

Together, these fragrances celebrate a destination defined by pristine nature, rich culture, and a forward-looking Saudi Vision 2030 focused on sustainability and transformative tourism. Designed as a hands-on fragrance blending experience, “Essence of Saudi” allowed participants to create their own bespoke scents while exploring the cultural depth and heritage of Saudi Arabia through its distinctive aromas.

The response from trade partners from the ‘City of Joy’ underscored their growing interest in Saudi as a compelling destination for Indian travellers seeking luxury and rich cultural experiences.

Additionally, Saudia and Air India have announced codeshare agreement that will take effect in February 2026. Travellers from the ‘City of Joy’, among other Indian cities, can seamlessly connect to destinations in Saudi and beyond through Delhi and Mumbai.

The two countries are connected by a total of six different carriers. Besides Saudia and Air India, other carriers flying on various routes between the two countries are: Flynas, IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air, with the number of flights totalling over 313 weeklies. The growing connectivity between the two countries further strengthens Saudi’s appeal as a year-round destination.

Saudi is also enhancing its destination appeal with world-class attractions like the New Year eve opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City, a bold new addition to the global entertainment and adventure landscape. Spanning six immersive themed lands, the park features 28 rides and attractions, including record-breaking experiences such as Falcons Flight, the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster; Iron Rattler, the world’s tallest tilt coaster; and Spitfire, the world’s tallest inverting coaster. Designed as a family-friendly lifestyle destination, the park also offers 18 attractions tailored for families and younger guests.

Besides, Riyadh Season continues to position Saudi as a global entertainment hub through March 2026, delivering world-class sports, culture, and live experiences. In late January, the season hosts two major WWE events: SmackDown on January 30 and the historic Royal Rumble 2026 on January 31, marking the first time the iconic event takes place outside North America.