Penang Roadshow to India 2025 Highlights Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s Commitment to the Indian Market

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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January 15, 2025 2:14 PM

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The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is excited to present the 8th Edition of the Penang Roadshow to India 2025, scheduled from January 13 to January 20, 2025. Since its inception in 2017, this annual event has remained uninterrupted, adapting to virtual formats during the Covid-19 pandemic to maintain its momentum. The roadshow highlights PCEB’s dedication to fostering strong connections with the Indian market, a vital contributor to Penang’s tourism and business events industries.

Themed “Discover Penang,” this year’s roadshow will make stops in four key Indian cities: Mumbai on January 13, New Delhi on January 15, Kolkata on January 17, and Chennai on January 20. Each event is set to attract around 200 buyers and 30 media professionals, creating vibrant opportunities for networking and collaboration.

A major highlight of the 2025 roadshow is the launch of IndiGo Airlines’ direct flights between Penang and Chennai, marking a transformative step for travel between Malaysia and India. This new route not only streamlines travel but also opens doors for enhanced business and leisure opportunities. With Chennai positioned as a critical hub, travelers from 32 cities across India, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, can now enjoy effortless access to Penang. Furthermore, the flights include a generous 30kg baggage allowance, catering to the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

In a further boost to tourism, Malaysia has extended its visa waiver program for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. Under this policy, Indian travelers can visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without a visa, simplifying travel and enhancing accessibility. This initiative strengthens Malaysia’s position as a premier destination, inviting Indian visitors to explore the vibrant attractions and rich culture of Penang with ease.

“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 Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of PCEB.

The roadshow showcases a stellar roster of exhibitors from 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. This diverse participation underscores the united efforts of Malaysia’s tourism and business events industries to connect with the Indian market.

India remains a critical market for Malaysia’s tourism sector. From January to November 2024, Malaysia welcomed an impressive 1,009,114 visitors from India, surpassing the 1 million target and marking a 71.7% growth compared to 2023. This achievement solidifies Malaysia’s reputation as a top choice for Indian travelers. The roadshow seeks to build on this momentum by highlighting Penang’s distinctive attractions and strategic offerings.

“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 welcomed approximately 1,900 events, drawing 296,630 participants and contributing an estimated RM1.27 billion to the local economy. These remarkable achievements highlight Penang’s status as a premier hub for business events in the region. The ongoing roadshow aims to capitalize on this success, showcasing Penang as the perfect destination for Indian buyers and industry leaders. Boasting a rich cultural tapestry, dynamic heritage, and top-tier infrastructure, Penang continues to shine as a global hotspot for collaboration and innovation, paving the way for sustained prosperity and growth.