The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is now in India.
They are currently hosting the 8th Edition of the Penang Roadshow to India 2025, taking place from 13th to 20th January 2025.
Leading the PCEB team is its chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran and his team.
This annual initiative, launched in 2017, has never skipped a beat, even during the Covid-19 pandemic when it was held virtually for two consecutive years.
The roadshow underscores PCEB’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Indian market, 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 (20 January). Each destination is drawing approximately 200 buyers and 30 media representatives, providing a dynamic platform for engagement and collaboration.
A highlight of the 2025 roadshow is the new direct connectivity between Penang and Chennai 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 access to Penang for passengers from 32 domestic cities in India, including major cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Additionally, these flights come with an inclusive 30kg baggage allowance, making them an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers.
In addition, Malaysia has officially extended its visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. This exemption allows Indian visitors to enter Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days, significantly easing the travel process.The new policy further enhances Malaysia’s appeal as a destination and provides seamless entry for Indian visitors to explore Penang’s diverse offerings.
“This new connection strengthens the bond between our regions, making Penang more accessible and enabling greater collaboration. It will undoubtedly elevate the experience for buyers attending the roadshow and foster long-term growth in tourism and business events,” said Ashwin.
The roadshow features an impressive lineup of exhibitors from across Malaysia, including Ace Conferences & Exhibitions, Apollo Holidays Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Asian Overland Services Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd, By The Blanket, dQuest Ventures, G Hotel, Jeya Berjaya Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, Lone Pine, Penang – A Tribute Portfolio Resort, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Mitways Transport & Tours Sdn Bhd, Oscar Holidays Sdn Bhd, Tourism Malaysia, and IndiGo Airlines. Their participation highlights the collaborative efforts within Malaysia’s tourism and business events sectors to engage with the Indian market.
India continues to be a vital source market for Malaysia. In 2024, Malaysia welcomed a total of 1,009,114 Indian visitors from January to November, surpassing its target of 1 million. This remarkable achievement represents a 71.7% increase compared to 2023, reaffirming Malaysia’s status as a preferred destination for Indian travelers. The roadshow aims to further bolster these numbers by showcasing Penang’s unique attractions and strategic initiatives.
“Penang’s charm lies in its ability to offer something for everyone—be it cultural experiences, culinary delights, or world-class venues. With the continuation of the free-visa initiative, we anticipate a significant increase in tourist arrivals, allowing Indian visitors to fully immerse themselves in Penang’s unique offerings,” said YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy.
In 2024, Penang hosted nearly 1,900 events, attracting 296,630 delegates and generating an estimated economic impact of RM1.27 billion.
These impressive figures underscore Penang’s reputation as a leading destination for business events in the region. The roadshow is building on this momentum, positioning Penang as the ideal choice for Indian buyers and stakeholders. With its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and world-class facilities, Penang remains a shining beacon for international collaboration and growth, ensuring a prosperous future for all involved.