“Discover Penang”: PCEB Embarks on the 8th Edition of Penang Roadshow toIndia 2025
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
India: The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is thrilled to be hosting the8th Edition of the Penang Roadshow to India 2025, taking place from 13th to 20thJanuary 2025. This annual initiative, launched in 2017, has never skipped a beat, evenduring the Covid-19 pandemic when it was held virtually for two consecutive years.
Theroadshow underscores PCEB’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Indianmarket, a key player in Penang’s tourism and business events sectors.This year’s roadshow, themed “Discover Penang”, is visiting four major Indian cities:Mumbai (13 January), New Delhi (15 January), Kolkata (17 January), and Chennai (20January). Each destination is drawing approximately 200 buyers and 30 mediarepresentatives, providing a dynamic platform for engagement and collaboration.A highlight of the 2025 roadshow is the new direct connectivity between Penang andChennai via IndiGo Airlines, a game-changer for both Penang and the Indian market.
This direct flight simplifies travel and unlocks new opportunities for business and leisure.Chennai’s strategic location serves as a vital connecting hub, offering seamless accessto Penang for passengers from 32 domestic cities in India, including major cities suchas Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Additionally, these flights come with aninclusive 30kg baggage allowance, making them an attractive option for both leisureand business travelers.In addition, Malaysia has officially extended its visa exemption for Indian nationals untilDecember 31, 2026.
This exemption allows Indian visitors to enter Malaysia without avisa for up to 30 days, significantly easing the travel process.The new policy furtherenhances Malaysia’s appeal as a destination and provides seamless entry for Indianvisitors to explore Penang’s diverse offerings.“This new connection strengthens the bond between our regions, making Penang moreaccessible and enabling greater collaboration.
It will undoubtedly elevate the experiencefor buyers attending the roadshow and foster long-term growth in tourism and businessevents,” said Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of PCEB.13th January 2025The roadshow features an impressive lineup of exhibitors from across Malaysia,including Ace Conferences & Exhibitions, Apollo Holidays Malaysia Sdn Bhd, AsianOverland Services Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd, By The Blanket, dQuest Ventures, GHotel, Jeya Berjaya Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, Lone Pine, Penang – A Tribute PortfolioResort, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Mitways Transport & ToursSdn Bhd, Oscar Holidays Sdn Bhd, Tourism Malaysia, and IndiGo Airlines. Theirparticipation highlights the collaborative efforts within Malaysia’s tourism and businessevents sectors to engage with the Indian market.India continues to be a vital source market for Malaysia.
In 2024, Malaysia welcomed atotal of 1,009,114 Indian visitors from January to November, surpassing its target of 1million. This remarkable achievement represents a 71.7% increase compared to 2023,reaffirming Malaysia’s status as a preferred destination for Indian travelers. Theroadshow aims to further bolster these numbers by showcasing Penang’s uniqueattractions and strategic initiatives.“Penang’s charm lies in its ability to offer something for everyone—be it culturalexperiences, culinary delights, or world-class venues.
With the continuation of thefree-visa initiative, we anticipate a significant increase in tourist arrivals, allowing Indianvisitors to fully immerse themselves in Penang’s unique offerings,” said YB Wong HonWai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy.In 2024, Penang hosted nearly 1,900 events, attracting 296,630 delegates andgenerating an estimated economic impact of RM1.27 billion. These impressive figuresunderscore Penang’s reputation as a leading destination for business events in theregion.
The roadshow is building on this momentum, positioning Penang as the idealchoice for Indian buyers and stakeholders. With its rich heritage, vibrant culture, andworld-class facilities, Penang remains a shining beacon for international collaborationand growth, ensuring a prosperous future for all involved.