The Malaysian state of Penang is currently conducting its annual roadshow in India, covering Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad, with a focus on promoting MICE travel from India to Penang.

With an eye on the booming MICE travel segment in India, the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is currently hosting the 6th edition of Penang Road Show to India 2023, taking place in four  cities from February 13 – 20. According to a press statement, the roadshow began in Mumbai on February 13, moved to New Delhi on February 15 and is now headed to Chennai for February 17 and Hyderabad for February 20. There will also be a networking event hosted in each city to connect and collaborate with India buyers from the MICE industry.

The statement adds that Penang’s second virtual road show to India early last year attracted 24 buyers and trade visitors registering from various travel trade sectors in India. Going back to its physical form, this year a total of 14 registered exhibitors together with Team PCEB will be welcoming an estimation of 800 buyers and trade visitors in total.

“PCEB will also be launching the latest meeting and incentive packages to re-establish connections with the India market to cater to the preferences of our business travellers,” says Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy.

The statement adds that these are some of the many efforts in providing a fresh perspective of Penang by including the attractions available in Mainland, Penang.

This year, Penang anticipates around 2,500 events with 260,000 delegates, with an estimated economic impact (EEI) of RM1 billion. This conveys a message of confidence that Penang is ready and reflects its capability to host large and world-class events. One to mention will be the V-Convention, one of the largest events hosted bi-annually in Penang with a total delegate of 15,000 in each round. This notable convention draws a majority of delegates from India, says the statement.

‘’PCEB is strategising comprehensive blueprints to position Penang higher in the Indian market. The growth and advancements of the tourism industry in Penang is rapidly moving forward now, especially in the mainland of Penang,’’ says Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).

Moving forward, Team PCEB will be doing more site inspections in the mainland to identify and utilise the products and services in Mainland, Penang for the MICE industry. This effort will also be in line with the vision and mission of Penang State Government, adds the statement.

As a strategic partner, Malaysia Airlines will support and provide a wide range of services and connections across our local and global network. Therefore, Penang is working closely to activate airline connectivity with India to accommodate the Indian market. Malaysia Airlines is also able to market Business Events Penang in their key markets, including India, the UK, China, Australia, North Asia and ASEAN countries, says the statement.

During the Penang Roadshow to India, PCEB will also be launching its very own campaign ‘Chalo Penang’ in all the four cities. The campaign aims to strongly activate Penang as a preferred meeting & leisure destination for the Indian travellers. This campaign will be an opportunity to foster mutually beneficial relationships with the India travel agents and explore potential avenues to entice the India market, which is a key market for Penang.