‘Chalo Penang’ Campaign to re-establish connections and entice Indian business travellers.
The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) hosted the 6th edition of Penang Roadshow to India 2023, which took place in four cities from 13 – 20 February in Mumbai (13 February), New Delhi (15 February), Chennai (17 February) and Hyderabad (20 February).
Penang’s second virtual roadshow to India early last year attracted 24 buyers and trade visitors registering from various travel trade sectors in India. This year, the roadshow went physical with a total of 15 registered exhibitors together with Team PCEB, who welcomed buyers and trade visitors from each city.
According to the Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Hon. Yeoh Soon Hin, PCEB will also be launching the latest meeting and incentive packages in Penang Island and Mainland to cater to the preferences of business travellers.
Penang anticipates around 2,500 events totalling 260,000 delegates this year, with an estimated economic impact of RM1 billion (USD223.4 million). The demand shows confidence that Penang is ready to host large and world-class events. The V-Convention, one of the largest events hosted bi-annually in Penang with a total delegate of 15,000 in each round, is set to take place in September.
‘’PCEB is strategising comprehensive blueprints to position Penang higher in the Indian market. The growth and advancements of the tourism industry in Penang are rapidly moving forward now, especially in the mainland of Penang,’’ said PCEB CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran.
Team PCEB will be conducting more site inspections on the mainland to identify and utilise the products and services on the opposite side of the island for the MICE industry. This effort will also be in line with the vision and mission of the Penang State Government.
As a strategic partner, Malaysia Airlines will support and provide a wide range of services and connections across the local and global network. Penang is working to activate airline connectivity with India to accommodate the Indian market. Malaysia Airlines can also market Business Events Penang in their key markets, including India, the UK, China, Australia, North Asia and ASEAN Countries.
During the Penang Roadshow to India, PCEB launched its campaign ‘Chalo Penang’ in all four cities. The campaign aims to activate Penang as a preferred meeting and leisure destination for Indian travellers and foster mutually beneficial relationships with Indian travel agents.
The campaign is also set to explore potential avenues to entice the Indian market, a key market for Penang. In addition to the press conference held during the roadshow, one lucky winner in each city received a round-trip ticket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as a collaboration with Malaysia Airlines.
The winners of the lucky draw will also be welcomed and hosted during the Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE), which takes place in October 2023. The roadshow also had a networking dinner exclusively hosted in Hyderabad, a new city explored in India this year. This initiative was supported and sponsored by industry partners from Penang.
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