‘Chalo Penang’ Campaign Entices Indian Travellers to Penang

24th Feb, 2023
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Penang Roadshow to India 2023: ‘Chalo Penang’ Campaign in Hyderabad © PCEB

The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) hosted the 6th edition of Penang Roadshow to India 2023 that took place in 4 different 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 various buyers and trade visitors from each city.

The Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Hon. Yeoh Soon Hin, said in his virtual message that “PCEB will also be launching the latest meeting and incentive packages in Penang Island and Mainland 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 new 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 (approximately EUR 213 million). This conveys a strong 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 that is set to take place in September 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 Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) during press conferences held at each city. Moving forward, Team PCEB will be doing more site inspections in the mainland to identify and utilise the products and services at 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. 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.

During the Penang Roadshow to India, PCEB launched its very own campaign ‘Chalo Penang’ in all the four cities. The campaign aims to activate Penang as a preferred meeting & leisure destination for the Indian travellers and foster mutually beneficial relationships with the India travel agents. The campaign also set to explore potential avenues to entice the India market, which is 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) that is set to take place in October 2023.

The roadshow also had a networking dinner exclusively hosted in Hyderabad (photo below), a new city explored in India this year. The dinner had a good turnout of buyers that are very enthusiastic about the destination. There were also lucky draw prizes given out for the dinner guests. This initiative was supported and sponsored by Penang's industry partners from Penang.

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