The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is hosting the 8th edition of its Penang Roadshow to India, running from January 13 to 20, 2025. Launched in 2017, this annual event has become a key platform for strengthening ties between Penang and India, a crucial market for the region’s tourism and business events sector. Even during the pandemic, the roadshow adapted by going virtual for two consecutive years, underscoring PCEB’s resilience and commitment.
This year’s roadshow, themed “Discover Penang,” is making stops in four major Indian cities: Mumbai (13 January), New Delhi (15 January), Kolkata (17 January), and Chennai (20 January). Each city is expected to draw around 200 buyers and 30 media representatives, offering valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and business development.
A key highlight of the 2025 roadshow is the launch of a new direct flight connection between Penang and Chennai, operated by IndiGo Airlines. This new route simplifies travel between the two regions and opens up fresh prospects for both business and leisure tourism. Chennai’s strategic location as a hub for domestic flights from 32 Indian cities—including major markets like Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai—enhances accessibility to Penang, making it a more convenient and attractive option for Indian travelers. The inclusion of a generous 30kg baggage allowance further strengthens its appeal.
In addition to the new flight connection, Malaysia has extended its visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026, allowing visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa. This policy is expected to boost Penang’s accessibility, making it easier for Indian tourists to explore the destination’s diverse attractions.
Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, expressed excitement about the new developments: “This enhanced connectivity strengthens the bond between Penang and India, making the destination more accessible and fostering greater collaboration. We believe it will elevate the experience for buyers attending the roadshow and drive long-term growth in both tourism and business events.”
The roadshow features a diverse group of exhibitors from across Malaysia, including Ace Conferences & Exhibitions, Apollo Holidays Malaysia, Asian Overland Services, G Hotel, Jeya Berjaya Travel & Tours, Lone Pine, and others. Their participation highlights the collective effort to engage with the Indian market and promote Malaysia’s tourism and business events sector.
India remains a crucial source market for Malaysia. In 2024, Malaysia welcomed over 1 million Indian visitors, surpassing its target by 71.7% compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the increasing popularity of Malaysia, and specifically Penang, as a destination for Indian travelers. The roadshow aims to further boost these numbers by showcasing Penang’s cultural, culinary, and event offerings.
YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, noted, “Penang’s charm lies in its diverse offerings—from cultural experiences and culinary delights to world-class event venues. With the continuation of the visa exemption, we expect a significant increase in arrivals from India, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in all that Penang has to offer.”
In 2024, Penang hosted nearly 1,900 events, attracting over 296,000 delegates and generating an estimated economic impact of RM1.27 billion. These numbers solidify Penang’s reputation as a leading destination for business events in Asia. As the roadshow unfolds, Penang is positioning itself as an ideal choice for Indian buyers and stakeholders, reinforcing its status as a hub for international collaboration and growth.
