Strengthening India-Penang Ties in 2025
The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) announces the 8th edition of the Penang Roadshow to India 2025, scheduled from 13th to 20th January. Under the theme “Discover Penang,” this annual initiative, first launched in 2017, highlights PCEB’s unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration with the Indian market, a cornerstone of Penang’s tourism and business events sectors.
Roadshow Highlights:
- City Stops: The roadshow will engage audiences across four major Indian cities—Mumbai (13th Jan), New Delhi (15th Jan), Kolkata (17th Jan), and Chennai (20th Jan)—attracting over 200 buyers and 30 media representatives in each location.
- Strategic Partnership: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PCEB and EaseMyTrip (EMT) will be signed in New Delhi on 15th January. This partnership aims to elevate Penang’s visibility in India through strategic campaigns, innovative travel opportunities, and cultural exchanges.
- Direct Connectivity: IndiGo Airlines now offers direct flights between Penang and Chennai, simplifying travel for leisure and business. With seamless access from 32 domestic Indian cities and an inclusive 30kg baggage allowance, this development marks a milestone for both regions.
- Visa Exemption: Malaysia has extended its visa-free entry for Indian nationals until 31st December 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days. This initiative enhances Malaysia’s allure as a travel destination, facilitating easier access to Penang’s vibrant attractions.
Exhibitor Lineup and Collaborative Efforts:
The roadshow will feature exhibitors from Malaysia’s leading tourism and business event sectors, including Tourism Malaysia, IndiGo Airlines, G Hotel, Apollo Holidays, and others. Their participation underscores a unified effort to strengthen ties with the Indian market.
India’s Growing Significance:
India remains a crucial market for Malaysia, with 1,009,114 Indian visitors recorded from January to November 2024—a 71.7% increase over the previous year. This momentum highlights India’s vital role in Malaysia’s tourism success and Penang’s growing appeal.
Voices from the Leadership:
- Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, emphasized, “This connection deepens regional ties, making Penang more accessible and fostering long-term growth in tourism and business events.”
- YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s State Executive Councillor for Tourism, noted, “Penang’s unique charm—cultural richness, culinary excellence, and world-class venues—combined with the visa-free initiative, will further boost tourist arrivals.”
Economic Impact:
In 2024, Penang hosted nearly 1,900 events, welcoming 296,630 delegates and generating an economic impact of RM1.27 billion. The roadshow builds on this success, positioning Penang as a premier destination for Indian travelers, stakeholders, and business collaborations.
With its blend of heritage, culture, and innovation, Penang continues to shine as a hub for international engagement and growth. The Discover Penang Roadshow sets the stage for a prosperous year of collaboration, ensuring an enriched travel experience for Indian visitors and a thriving future for Penang.
About Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB)
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is a state bureau established to develop the Business Events and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Penang. PCEB aims to position Penang as the preferred location for Business Events activities in the region. With its rich UNESCO heritage, thriving multicultural society, state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant natural attractions, Penang offers a truly eclectic tropical experience.
In line with its mission to incubate the growth of Business Events in Penang, PCEB serves as Penang’s focal point for the coordination of all Business Events activities, providing expert assistance to organisations and Business Events planners at every step of the planning. PCEB’s team of industry experts work hand-in-hand with professional service providers and world-class hotels, convention centres and unique venues to ensure the smoothness and success of each event organised. PCEB’s goal is to enhance our Business Events clients’ experience and at the same time to expand the beneficial economic impact of local MICE businesse
