Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) launched its Annual Intensive Destination Marketing Roadshow to India today morning at the Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai in conjunction with the Experience Year 2020 and Penang 2020: Be Unfiltered to promote Penang as a preferred location for business events activities. The objective of the event was to promote Penang as a preferred destination for Corporate and Associations, Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Leisure travel.

The 3rd edition of Penang Roadshow to India kick-started today on 13th January followed by a B2B session, press conference and Penang Specialist Programme which is further culminated by a Gala Dinner tonight. The Penang delegation will continue to New Delhi on 15 Jan, Chennai on 17 Jan and Kochi on 20 Jan which will be a full-day event in each city.

Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is a state bureau established in 2016 to develop the Business Events and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Penang. PCEB aims to position Penang as the preferred location for Business Events activities in the region. With its rich UNESCO heritage, thriving multicultural society, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant natural attractions, Penang offers a truly eclectic tropical experience. 

The roadshow to India is led by The Hon. Mr. Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage, and Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of PCEB, the roadshow is supported by a Penang delegation of 12 partners, including hotels, destination management companies, attractions, professional conference organizers and event experts. Also accompanying the Penang delegation is The Hon. Mr. Satees Muniandy, Penang State Assemblyman for Bagan Dalam.

Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of PCEB said “Despite the unavailability of direct flights to Penang, the number of Indian travellers to Penang has increased in recent years. The Penang Immigration Department reported that for the period between Jan to Nov 2019, 61,847 Indian travellers visited via the Penang International Airport and Penang Swettenham Port (cruise liners) compared to 43,537 in the same period in 2018. This is a 42% increase, making it one of the healthiest growths we have experienced,”.

To attract the Indian outbound meetings and conference market, PCEB introduced a new support package specially tailored for India. The support packages start from as low as sponsorship of souvenirs and welcome luncheon for the organizers valued at RM3,500 (for confirmed meetings/conferences of 50 to 100 delegates) to hosted site inspections, welcome luncheon for organizers, cultural performances and souvenirs valued at RM10,000 (for incentive groups of more than 500 delegates).