Saudi Tourism Authority Hosts Experiential Perfumery Events in India

Saudi Tourism Authority Hosts Experiential Perfumery Events in India

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 1, 2024

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) recently hosted "Essence of Saudi," a series of perfumery workshops in Mumbai and Delhi. These events, which highlighted the luxurious fragrances of Saudi Arabia, specifically focused on the renowned Taif roses, a hallmark of Saudi perfumeries. Attendees included luxury travel professionals, online travel agents, media personnel, influencers, and travel bloggers, making it a unique initiative by STA to promote Saudi’s rich scent heritage.

Guided by expert perfumers, participants delved into the cultural significance of fragrances in Saudi Arabia and the intricate art of perfume-making. They had the unique opportunity to create their own personalized perfumes, drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes and diverse botanical heritage of Saudi Arabia. This hands-on experience allowed them to craft unique blends that reflected their individual tastes.

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The event emphasized the importance of fragrance in Saudi culture, with a special focus on the exquisite Taif roses. These roses are a symbol of the country's natural abundance and play a crucial role in Saudi perfumery. The workshops provided a platform for attendees to learn about the detailed process of creating perfumes, from selecting high-quality ingredients to the artful blending of scents. This immersive experience aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for Saudi fragrances and culture, helping to strengthen the connection between Indian travelers and Saudi Arabia’s offerings.

Taif, often referred to as the "city of roses" and "friend of the clouds," enjoys cool weather year-round due to its location on the eastern slopes of the Sarawat Mountains, at an altitude of about 1,700 meters. The region is renowned not only for its Taif roses but also for its diverse agricultural produce, including grapes, berries, pomegranates, and figs. Each December, local farmers prepare the rose fields, and by mid-January, during the peak of winter, they harvest roses known as the "Rose of Taif." These roses, which range from dark hues to light pink, are highly coveted for their enchanting fragrance.

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Numerous perfumeries and rose product factories in Taif are dedicated to producing high-quality perfumes and rose water. Visitors to Taif can enjoy Arabic coffee in local cafes and purchase rose-infused souvenirs such as oils, soaps, and perfumes. The city of Taif is accessible by a scenic three-hour drive from Jeddah, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in experiencing Saudi Arabia’s rich olfactory heritage.

For more information about summer activities and inspiring itineraries, visit VisitSaudi.com.

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About Saudi Tourism Authority

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), established in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi Arabia’s tourism destinations globally and enhancing the destination's offerings through various programs, packages, and business support. STA’s mandate includes developing the country's unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi’s destination brand both locally and internationally. STA operates 16 representative offices worldwide, serving 38 countries.


Marriott International Recognised Among Top Five in 2025 World’s Best Workplaces

Marriott International Recognised Among Top Five in 2025 World’s Best Workplaces

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has been recognised as one of the top five World’s Best Workplaces for 2025 by Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine. The global recognition underscores Marriott’s enduring commitment to excellence, its strong people-first culture, and its focus on fostering employee growth across the world.

“We are honored to once again be named one of the world’s best workplaces. This recognition reflects Marriott’s longstanding commitment to excellence and our people-first culture that continues to be our north star across the company and around the world,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. “This year’s recognition is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our global teams and a powerful affirmation of the core values we’ve upheld for nearly a century. I am proud of our associates’ dedication to creating authentic and memorable experiences for our members and guests and being a force for good in our communities.”

Marriott’s culture is built on its “Be” people brand, which empowers associates to begin their career journey, belong to a global team, and become the best version of themselves. The company’s signature learning initiative, Elevate, helps frontline associates step into leadership roles by providing essential skills and confidence for career advancement.

According to Marriott, associates who participated in Elevate are twice as likely to experience career growth through a job change within the organisation and over five times more likely to be promoted compared to those who have not yet taken part in the program.

Today, nearly 800,000 associates around the world proudly wear the Marriott badge, delivering exceptional guest experiences and building rewarding careers. The company’s ongoing recognition as one of the best workplaces globally reflects its deep commitment to opportunity, empowerment, and community impact.

“The powerful impact of these great companies on our planet is a sacred trust,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. “Of the more than nine million employees surveyed, more workers at these remarkable companies say their company trusts them and wants them to grow as people and professionals. These economic powerhouses also strengthen the communities where they operate and are leaving behind a better world than the one they inherited.”

Alyson Shontell, Editor-in-Chief of Fortune, added, “The World’s Best Workplaces list casts an important spotlight on what employees believe are today’s exceptional workplaces, companies where they feel trusted, empowered, and energized to do their best work.”

To learn more about Marriott’s workplace culture and career opportunities, visit Marriott Careers.


Four Seasons unveils New World Icons 2027 Private Jet Experience with five first-time destinations

Four Seasons unveils New World Icons 2027 Private Jet Experience with five first-time destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Marking a decade of redefining luxury travel, Four Seasons has announced the debut of New World Icons, an all-new Private Jet Experience itinerary set to take flight from March 26 to April 14, 2027. The 20-day global journey introduces five first-time destinations, Jaipur, Venice, Iceland, Anguilla, and Los Cabos, along with the return of two guest favourites, Hong Kong and Langkawi.

The New World Icons experience invites 48 travellers to embark on an extraordinary adventure combining city vibrancy, island serenity, and natural splendour. Highlights include snowmobiling across Iceland’s Langjökull Glacier, admiring the grandeur of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, and exploring Langkawi’s limestone karsts and mangrove forests. Guests will stay at some of the newest and most iconic Four Seasons properties, including the soon-to-open Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice, and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol.

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Marc Speichert, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Four Seasons, said, “The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience continues to evolve with our guests’ growing curiosity and desire for transformative and meaningful travel. New World Icons builds on our legacy of seamless, personalized travel, boundless freedom, and unrivalled discovery, continuing to redefine how guests experience the world with Four Seasons.”

The curated itinerary spans seven destinations, Hong Kong, Langkawi, Jaipur, Venice, Iceland, Anguilla, and Los Cabos, balancing cultural depth and relaxation. Guests can expect exclusive experiences such as palace galas in Jaipur, helicopter rides over Cortina d’Ampezzo from Venice, and deep-sea fishing in Los Cabos. Each journey is supported by a dedicated Four Seasons team, including an Executive Chef, Concierge, Journey Physician, and Experience Manager, ensuring world-class comfort aboard the customized Airbus A321neo-LR designed for just 48 passengers.

Priced from USD 219,000 per person (based on double occupancy), New World Icons represents Four Seasons’ latest step in expanding its experiential travel offerings.

Meanwhile, most of the 2026 Four Seasons Private Jet itineraries, including Asia Unveiled, Ancient Explorer, International Intrigue, and World of Wellness, are already near full capacity, reaffirming the growing demand for immersive, personalized global travel.

With New World Icons, Four Seasons once again elevates the art of journeying, blending luxury, exploration, and cultural connection into one seamless experience.


Zostel marks global debut with 100th property launch in Phuket, Thailand

Zostel marks global debut with 100th property launch in Phuket, Thailand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 15, 2025

Zostel, India’s largest community-led backpacker hostel brand, has announced its entry into the international market with the launch of Zostel Phuket, Thailand, its 100th property and first overseas destination. This milestone marks a defining moment in the brand’s journey from a homegrown travel movement to a global hospitality player.

Since its inception, Zostel has been synonymous with social, affordable, and experience-led travel for young explorers. Its expansion into Thailand not only celebrates its numerical achievement but also reflects the brand’s evolving philosophy, that travel is about connection, community, and shared experiences.

Located in the heart of Phuket, the new hostel captures Zostel’s signature design ethos of fostering creativity and belonging. With vibrant lounges, a courtyard café, and relaxed social zones, Zostel Phuket invites travellers to mingle, collaborate, and discover while embracing the island’s laid-back tropical energy.

Speaking on the launch, Aviral Gupta, CEO at Zo World, said, “Zostel Phuket is not just our 100th property, it’s our first footprint in a world without borders. This milestone reflects our vision of uniting people and cultures through travel. Over the next 12 months, we’re excited to take this movement deeper into Southeast Asia, with new Zostels lined up across Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Koh Phangan and further expansions planned in Bali, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.”

Zostel’s global push comes as part of the Zo World ecosystem, which is scaling across multiple travel and lifestyle verticals. Alongside Zostel’s hostels, the company is expanding Zo Trips across Europe and Asia, developing Zo House San Francisco in the United States, and growing Zo Villas across key leisure destinations.

These initiatives collectively aim to create a borderless travel network, connecting people, places, and cultures through purpose and community. For Zostel, reaching 100 hostels is not merely a number but a symbolic transformation, from being India’s backpacker pioneer to becoming a global connector of cultures.

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