Bulbul Dhawan

India Reporter for Skift, Bulbul Dhawan has seven years of experience across leading Indian news publications. With a widespread portfolio, she covered several beats before she found comfort in the travel and hospitality sectors when she joined BW Hotelier as the Editorial Lead. An avid singer and reader, she has about as many books in her TBR pile as she has songs on her list that she wishes to record covers of – none of which is going to be completed in this lifetime.

Tourism

India Finally Ditches Paper Arrival Forms. It’s Not Going to Fix Indian Tourism

E-arrival cards save passengers from having to do paperwork just after disembarking a plane. But the initiative will only make a tiny dent to the bigger problem India faces.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

Hotels

Marriott India Tells Gen Z to Clock Off on Time — and Says It’s Working

The hospitality industry has long been debating the causes of India’s poor talent retention. Marriott claims the solution lies with the companies.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

Tourism

Turkey’s Tourism Board Is Betting Indian Cultural Ties Can Outrun Politics

The harsh stance of Indian travelers against Turkey is not dampening the Middle Eastern country’s spirits and efforts in reaching out to this market. Instead, it is looking at ways to bypass the nationalism-driven sentiments, and catch demand where it can.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

Online Travel

MakeMyTrip Faces Regulatory Investigation, Shortseller Claims

Bombshell report suggests that the CCI will be investigating the OTA for engaging in repeated anti-competitive conduct – the truth may be another matter.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

Hotels

Global Hotel Alliance Looks at India to Drive Growth

India has potential and travel intent. The Leela’s luxury lean and Global Hotel Alliance’s strategic partnership is now translating that intent into solid numbers.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

Dar Tantora The House Hotel in Saudi Arabia's AlUla.

Hotels

Ireland’s Kerten Enters India For Lifestyle Expansion

India’s expanding middle class and spending power is placing it at the center of global travel space. And hotel companies are now focusing on attracting Indians in their own country.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

Photo Credit: A destination Indian wedding at Clearwater Beach, U.S.

Tourism

Indian Weddings Rerouting Away From Middle East

The Middle East “ticked all the boxes” for many betrothed couples’ ideal Indian destination wedding. But the Iran War is shifting this valuable business elsewhere.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

Airlines

Indian Airlines Object to Free Seat Selection Policy

The latest aviation conundrum in India needs to balance passengers’ convenience and rights with airlines’ profitability. And each side wants a solution.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago

A file image of an Air India Boeing 787-8.

Airlines

Indian Government Wants Airlines’ Pet Policies, Cheaper Seat Reservations

India’s new directives have the potential to make flying more affordable and for special baggage allowances to be more accessible.

Bulbul Dhawan | 3 months ago

Hotels

Eight Continents Raises Funds For Asset-Light India Growth, Global Expansion

For Eight Continents, India is a key market. However, it is not investing significant capital, especially as India has a gold mine - a significant number of keys that still remain unorganized.

Bulbul Dhawan | 3 months ago