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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.
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.
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.
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.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on January 18, 2026
Ibiza has seen a sharp decline in short-term holiday rentals in 2025 as Spain’s efforts to curb overtourism and regulate holiday homes begin to show results. According to tourism lobby Exceltur, the number of short-term tourist lets on the island dropped by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year.
The supply of holiday rentals in Ibiza is now around 80 percent lower than in 2017, highlighting the scale of the crackdown. Across Spain, short-term rental listings fell by 4 percent in the second half of 2025 compared to a year earlier, marking the first nationwide decline on record. However, trends varied across the country’s 25 largest cities.
Spanish authorities have been tightening regulations in response to growing concerns from local residents, who say rising rents and property prices are being fuelled by tourist demand. In Ibiza, the local government has stepped up inspections to identify and remove unauthorised holiday rentals from the market.
Other popular destinations are also taking strong measures. Barcelona has announced plans to ban all holiday homes by 2028 as part of its long-term strategy to manage tourism pressure. Mallorca has joined Ibiza in enforcing stricter controls, with both islands recording the steepest drops in short-term rental supply.
However, not all regions are seeing a slowdown. Coastal cities such as Malaga and Almeria have continued to expand their tourist accommodation offerings, according to Exceltur, indicating uneven impact across Spain.
Exceltur vice president Oscar Perelli said that new rules requiring property owners to register homes before listing them on platforms such as Airbnb have played a key role in reducing supply. These regulations aim to bring better oversight and balance to the housing market.
Despite the restrictions, holiday homes continue to attract a significant share of visitors. Nearly one-third of tourists in Spain still choose rental homes, which generally remain more affordable than hotels. Holiday rentals had outpaced hotel growth for several years as Spain’s tourism boom placed it alongside France as one of the world’s top travel destinations.
Meanwhile, Ibiza recorded Spain’s highest hotel revenue per room last year at 170 euros, reflecting a 6 percent increase from 2024. The figures suggest that while rental supply is shrinking, demand for accommodation on the island remains strong.
EVA Air has been recognized as the 8th safest airline in the world for 2026 by AirlineRatings.com, earning a place on the platform’s “Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2026.” This achievement marks the airline’s 13th consecutive year of being featured among the world’s safest carriers, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to flight safety.
Notably, EVA Air is the only airline from Taiwan to secure a position within the global top ten, highlighting its consistent performance and strong safety culture when compared with international peers. Since its establishment in 1989, the airline has maintained an excellent safety record, with no major accidents, while continuing to place safety at the core of its operations alongside service quality.
Commenting on the recognition, EVA President Clay Sun said, “Flight safety is the most important and non-negotiable core value of EVA Air. Being recognized by AirlineRatings.com for 13 consecutive years is the greatest encouragement and honor for all our employees who have consistently upheld a strong safety culture and rigorously implemented standard operating procedures. We will continue to enhance our safety management systems and strengthen risk prevention mechanisms to provide passengers with the safest and most reliable flying experience.”
AirlineRatings.com is a globally respected aviation rating organization, with evaluations based on multiple parameters such as safety records, fleet age, international audits, pilot training, maintenance standards, and overall operational management. These criteria ensure a high level of credibility and transparency in its rankings.
The latest recognition not only affirms EVA Air’s continued efforts in maintaining high safety standards but also serves as motivation for its teams to further strengthen systems and practices. Alongside safety, the airline continues to invest in service upgrades to enhance passenger comfort and overall travel experience, reflecting its broader commitment to reliability and quality in global aviation.
MGallery Collection is set to enter a new chapter with a series of upcoming openings across some of the world’s most evocative destinations. From coastal retreats to island hideaways, the brand continues to strengthen its portfolio with properties that celebrate a strong sense of place, local character, and refined hospitality.
The upcoming additions span diverse locations, including the relaxed shores of Noosa in Australia, the serene beauty of the Maldives, the natural landscapes of Oléron Island in France, and the vibrant yet tranquil settings of Phuket in Thailand. Each property has been designed to offer guests immersive experiences shaped by culture, nature, and thoughtful storytelling.
Sharing her perspective on the brand’s expansion, Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, said, “Each upcoming opening enriches our brand's portfolio of signature hotels, where every stay becomes a memorable and meaningful experience. Designed to celebrate local and unique character, our hotels invite travellers to discover new places, new atmospheres and new stories to experience. We are extremely proud of our pipeline of five upcoming openings and look forward to welcoming guests to these new destinations around the world.”
In the Maldives, the former Mirihi Island Resort is being reintroduced as V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, MGallery Collection following a comprehensive renovation and expansion led by Studio Gronda. The boutique resort will feature 42 villas, including beach and overwater options, as well as multi-bedroom suites with private pools. Inspired by Maldivian heritage and the delicate Mirihi flower, the resort reflects a philosophy of quiet luxury, offering a peaceful retreat shaped by the rhythms of the ocean and surrounded by vibrant reefs and a protected lagoon.
Australia will welcome Elysium Noosa Resort, MGallery Collection, located on Hastings Street close to Noosa National Park and Laguna Bay. The resort will offer 175 rooms, including suites and villas, designed to reflect Mediterranean elegance blended with a relaxed beachside lifestyle. Its dining concepts highlight regional produce and coastal flavours, while the design allows indoor and outdoor spaces to flow seamlessly, connecting guests with the surrounding ocean, forest, and river landscapes.
On the west coast of France, Le Bel Hôtel Oléron – MGallery Collection will be set within a protected natural site between forest and beach. The property will offer 102 rooms and suites overlooking pine forests or the ocean, with interiors inspired by seaside architecture. A strong culinary focus will be led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, complemented by wellness offerings including a marine spa and thalassotherapy experiences that draw from the island’s calm natural environment.
In Thailand, Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket, MGallery Collection will be located between lush hills and the Andaman Sea within the MontAzure community. The 150-room resort blends contemporary design with nature-led elements, offering access to Phuket’s lively experiences while maintaining a sense of calm and privacy.
Also in Phuket, Navera Phuket, MGallery Collection will be perched above Surin Beach, featuring 19 individually styled villas. Drawing inspiration from maritime themes and Sino-Portuguese heritage, the property is designed to provide intimate, personalised stays with sweeping views of the Andaman Sea.
Together, these upcoming openings reflect MGallery Collection’s continued focus on curated destinations, design-led storytelling, and meaningful guest journeys across the globe.
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