The 'Chalo Penang' Campaign is being launched in India in 2023 to promote the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry in Penang. This roadshow aims to attract Indian business travellers and tourists to the island, showcasing Penang's unique cultural and historical heritage, as well as its modern facilities for meetings and events.
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.
The Penang State Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy, the Hon. Yeoh Soon Hin, said ‘’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.” These are one of the many efforts in providing a fresh perspective of Penang by including the attractions available in Mainland, Penang.
This year, Penang anticipates around 2500 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.
‘’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,’’ said AshwinGunasekeran, 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 inline with the vision and mission of Penang State Government.
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.