Saudi Strengthens Ties with Indian Travel Trade Through Strategic Events & Initiatives

Saudi Strengthens Ties with Indian Travel Trade Through Strategic Events & Initiatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 6, 2025

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) is deepening its engagement with the Indian travel trade, kicking off the year with a strong presence at SATTE 2025 in New Delhi. As one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, Saudi showcased its diverse offerings—from cultural heritage and scenic landscapes to luxury experiences—reinforcing its appeal to Indian travelers.

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Strengthening Travel Trade Partnerships

To build stronger ties with the Indian travel sector, Saudi organized strategic networking events in Bengaluru and Mumbai, engaging with over 200 travel professionals, online travel agencies (OTAs), and trade associations. These gatherings offered insights into Saudi’s tourism landscape and explored avenues for mutual growth in the region.

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Expanding Offerings for Indian Travelers

Saudi has introduced key initiatives across MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), Destination Weddings, and Group Inclusive Tours (GIT), positioning itself as a preferred choice for corporate retreats, grand celebrations, and large-scale events. A recent familiarization trip allowed top Indian travel professionals to experience Saudi’s rich culture and hospitality firsthand, further solidifying its place in the Indian market.

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With luxurious accommodations, top-tier venues, and bespoke services, Saudi offers an ideal setting for Indian weddings, corporate gatherings, and group tours.

A Rising Hub for Global Sporting Events

Beyond leisure tourism, Saudi has emerged as a key destination for major international sporting events. Since 2018, the country has hosted over 100 high-profile tournaments, including Formula 1 and world-class boxing matches. Looking ahead, Saudi is set to host the World Rally Championship, the FIBA Basketball Asia Cup, the Esports World Cup, and FIFA World Cup 2034. These events provide an exciting opportunity for Indian sports enthusiasts to witness top-tier competitions in a dynamic new destination.

Enhanced Connectivity & Simplified Access

Saudi’s increasing popularity as a global tourism and sports hub is backed by its growing air connectivity. As of February 2025, weekly inbound flights from India have risen by 13.4% to 314, with further expansion expected. Flights now connect 33 key gateways, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, making travel more accessible than ever.

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Currently, seven airlines operate between India and Saudi, including Saudia, Flynas, IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air. Additionally, Indian travelers holding valid Schengen, UK, or US visas can now enjoy simplified visa procedures through 11 Tasheer Centers across India, enhancing convenience for visitors.

Vision 2030: A Future of Possibilities

At the core of Saudi’s tourism strategy is its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform the nation into a global travel hotspot. With a strong emphasis on hospitality, safety, and diverse travel experiences, Saudi continues to welcome visitors seeking adventure, luxury, or cultural immersion. As a key source market, India plays an integral role in Saudi’s tourism expansion and long-term vision.

About Saudi Tourism Authority

Established in June 2020, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) is dedicated to promoting Saudi as a top global destination. It develops tourism programs, supports businesses, and showcases the country’s diverse offerings through industry events and marketing campaigns. STA operates 16 global offices serving 38 countries, working to enhance Saudi’s tourism brand worldwide.

For more details, visit www.VisitSaudi.com


This Mother’s Day, Let Her Escape Somewhere Extraordinary

This Mother’s Day, Let Her Escape Somewhere Extraordinary

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 9, 2025

She held your hand through every beginning. She gave you comfort, courage, and quiet strength.
This Mother’s Day, gift her something more—an escape that speaks to the soul.

These handpicked destinations are not just getaways; they are sanctuaries of stillness, beauty, and presence.
For the woman who gave you everything, give her something that lingers:
A view she’ll remember. A morning with no agenda. A moment entirely her own.

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  • INDONESIA
    The Legian Seminyak, Bali
    Where the Ocean Whispers Serenity
    A beachfront haven for total rest. From sunrise yoga to sunset dinners, The Legian is where she can finally just be.

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  • MALDIVES
    InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
    Where Time Pauses & Beautiful Moments Unfold
    Turquoise waters, soft silence, and her own private deck. Let her spend golden days exactly as she chooses—in barefoot luxury.

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  • CROATIA
    Lošinj Hotels & Villas
    An Island Retreat Where She Can Breathe Again
    On a serene Adriatic isle, these spa sanctuaries offer more than luxury—they offer renewal.
    Hotel Bellevue | Boutique Hotel Alhambra

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  • FRANCE
    Courchevel
    Pristine Alpine Bliss – Just For Her
    A high-altitude haven where spa days and fresh air bring pure calm. The perfect pause for moms who never stop.

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  • FRANCE
    Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
    Because She Deserves Some Retail Indulgence
    Treat her to a Parisian shopping spree—fashion, personal stylists, rooftop views, and champagne to toast it all.

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  • NETHERLANDS
    De L’Europe Amsterdam
    Canal Views, Michelin Moments & Timeless Grace
    In the heart of the city, let her unwind in a place of elegance, cuisine, and unforgettable memories.

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  • SWITZERLAND
    Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina
    Alpine Stillness for the Woman Who Does It All
    Surrounded by quiet grandeur, this retreat invites her to rest, reflect, and reconnect—with herself.

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  • SWITZERLAND
    Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz
    Where Every Moment is a Breath of Fresh Alpine Air
    Opening this summer. Let her embrace the magic of the Alps—sunlit, soothing, and utterly serene.

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  • UNITED KINGDOM
    Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
    A City Escape for the Woman Who’s Given You Everything
    Let her see London her way—spa indulgence, Nobu dining, and a five-star stay crafted just for her.

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  • VIT Incoming
    Her European Summer, Curated Just for Her
    Private drivers. Curated hotels. Personal stories waiting to be written.
    Craft a journey that feels as intentional and extraordinary as she is.

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This Year, Let Your Love Travel Farther
Because this day isn’t just about celebrating her—it’s about honouring all the ways she made life beautiful.
Give her time. Give her wonder. Give her the world.


Anantara Makes Grand Entry into Vienna with Heritage Palace Hotel

Anantara Makes Grand Entry into Vienna with Heritage Palace Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 8, 2025

Anantara Hotels, the luxury brand by Minor Hotels, has made a striking debut in Vienna, Austria, by transforming the historic Palais Hansen into the city’s first urban luxury resort. With this, Anantara brings its signature blend of Thai-inspired hospitality and European grandeur to the heart of the Austrian capital.

Originally designed by Baron Theophil Edvard von Hansen, the neo-Renaissance palace has a legacy spanning over 150 years, having once served as both a residential complex and a public administration building. Following a meticulous renovation, the building now offers 152 guest rooms and suites, including a lavish 270m² Presidential Suite. Complete with seven French balconies, a piano for private concerts, and a wellness space with a marble bath, the suite can expand to a sprawling 408m² four-bedroom configuration upon request.

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The hotel is equipped with modern luxury comforts while preserving the architectural charm of old Vienna. Guests can enjoy high ceilings, oversized windows, and triple-glazing for comfort and quiet. The property also includes the 800m² Anantara Spa, three elegant dining venues, eight versatile meeting spaces, an executive boardroom, a private reading room, and a ballroom for up to 265 guests — making it an attractive choice for both leisure and business travellers.

This marks another major step in Anantara’s European expansion, joining a portfolio of over 50 luxury properties across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Earlier this year, Minor Hotels also announced plans to develop a new Anantara resort in Egypt, further extending the brand’s reach in key international destinations.

With its Vienna debut, Anantara not only celebrates the preservation of heritage architecture but also sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the city — where timeless elegance meets contemporary service.


Marriott Bonvoy Launches “Travel Roulette” to Celebrate 1 Million Hotel Rooms in the U.S.

Marriott Bonvoy Launches “Travel Roulette” to Celebrate 1 Million Hotel Rooms in the U.S.

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 8, 2025

In a playful twist on vacation planning, Marriott Bonvoy has introduced “Travel Roulette”, a digital experience designed to inject spontaneity into trip bookings—just as it celebrates a huge milestone: 1 million hotel rooms across the U.S.

Inspired by the viral “vacation roulette” trend on social media, the new initiative invites Marriott Bonvoy members to spin a virtual wheel at MarriottBonvoyRoulette.com for a chance to instantly win prizes, including stays at premium hotels and the grand prize of 1 million Marriott Bonvoy points plus a four-night stay at the newly opened Canal House of Georgetown.

Running from May 7 to May 26, this initiative brings excitement back into travel decisions, allowing travelers to discover destinations at random—fitting with Marriott’s recent survey that revealed 43% of Americans are open to booking unplanned or surprise getaways.

The campaign also highlights Marriott’s 1-millionth U.S. room, located in the Canal House of Georgetown, part of the fast-growing Tribute Portfolio. Nestled in historic Washington, D.C., this boutique property features design-rich accommodations, including specialty suites, townhomes, a library lounge, and a private courtyard.

Besides the grand prize, members may win Marriott Bonvoy points or complimentary two-night stays at select properties such as:

  • AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea

  • ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection

  • JW Marriott Las Vegas

  • Moxy Downtown Los Angeles

  • W New York – Union Square, among others.

“Travel roulette embraces the excitement of the unexpected,” says Peggy Roe, EVP and Chief Customer Officer at Marriott International. “With over 30 brands and 10,000 destinations, we want to celebrate this milestone by giving travelers a fun new way to explore.”

With Marriott Bonvoy's growing portfolio, members can redeem points not just for hotel stays, but also for exclusive experiences via Marriott Bonvoy Moments, immersive local activities, or even luxury hotel products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

Ready to ditch the plan and let the wheel decide? Head to MarriottBonvoyRoulette.com and give your next trip a spontaneous spin.

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