THE Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has commenced its seven-city Sales Mission to India 2026.
The sales mission started with its first stop in Hyderabad on July 6 (Monday), followed by Bengaluru on July 7 (Tuesday) and Coimbatore on July 8 (today). It will continue across Salem on July 10, Madurai on July 13, Tiruchirappalli on July 14, and Chennai on July 16, as part of PCEB’s ongoing effort to strengthen Penang’s position in the Indian market.
This year’s mission engages more than 400 high-potential buyers, including travel agents, corporates, event planners and tourism stakeholders. It serves as an important platform to build new business relationships, strengthen existing partnerships and create more opportunities for Indian travellers and event organisers to choose Penang for business events, weddings, corporate travel and leisure groups.
The Sales Mission to India 2026 is carried out in collaboration with IndiGo Airlines, further highlighting the importance of air connectivity in growing the Indian market for Penang. Stronger connectivity between India and Penang plays an important role in attracting more visitors, delegates and corporate groups, while making Penang more accessible as a preferred destination.
India remains one of Penang’s top six priority markets, with strong potential across business events, corporate meetings, incentives, weddings and leisure travel. The cultural connection between India and Malaysia, together with Penang’s multicultural identity, heritage, food, hospitality and modern event facilities, continues to make Penang an attractive destination for the Indian market.
According to PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran, the sales mission is an important step in deepening Penang’s engagement with the Indian market.
“India has always been an important market for Penang, and this sales mission allows us to connect directly with key buyers, decision-makers and industry stakeholders across several high-potential cities. It is not only about promoting Penang, but also about listening to the market, understanding current demand and building long-term partnerships that can bring mutual growth,” said Ashwin.
He added that Penang is entering an important phase of growth, supported by new hospitality developments that will strengthen the state’s tourism and business events capacity.
“The upcoming hotel developments in Penang will increase room inventory and provide more choices for different market segments. These developments are important as they strengthen Penang’s readiness to welcome larger groups, more international events and higher-value visitors,” he said.
The mission is also timely as Malaysia leverages Visit Malaysia Year 2026, where stronger international engagement and destination promotion will be important in driving visitor arrivals and business opportunities. Through this sales mission, PCEB aims to generate greater awareness of Penang’s offerings and encourage more Indian business events and travel groups to the state.
Pix courtesy of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau