THE eighth edition of the Penang International Travel Exchange (PITE) 2025 has grown into a global showcase, attracting 13 countries with over 80 international buyers and 40 exhibitors, from today until Oct 1, at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas.
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said the main criteria in selecting participating countries were the business potential for Penang.
Among the countries participating are China, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Oman, UAE, India, Indonesia, and Italy.
“Our first criterion is always to lure business opportunities for Penang.
“We also look at whether it is their first entry into Malaysia or Penang, and whether they already have some form of business presence here that can be expanded,” he said.
Ashwin said Poland and Italy were new markets this year, while Germany and the United States, which participated previously, were absent.
“Every year, there may be one or two new countries, but that doesn’t mean it will always happen. It depends on the opportunities they see in this region,” Ashwin added.
He further said that the platform, which started off as Penang-centric, had now opened doors for sellers from other states, including Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Sarawak.
“Next year, we will open up sellers globally. The objective is to grow into a truly international platform, not just focused on South East Asia but with a broader global reach.
“Eventually, we want this to be similar to other international business shows,” he said.
On the UK market, Ashwin said Penang remained attractive for medical-related congresses and some agriculture-driven events.
Meanwhile, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang had recently conducted a roadshow in Osaka, the first since the pandemic, in conjunction with Penang Week at the World Expo.
“We met with industry players there, and it was a fruitful exchange between our business community and theirs.
“Our cultural performers for the kebaya showcases brought much excitement and energy, accompanied by a sumptuous Malaysian breakfast. Both were well received,” he said.
He added that Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also held investment meetings in Osaka with potential investors.
“This trip focused on business, investment, tourism and culture, and I believe it was a more fruitful one compared to the World Expo I attended earlier in Shanghai,” Wong said.
He also said Penang’s Japanese investors, particularly in the semiconductor sector, had consistently requested direct flights.
“Currently, they transit through Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Thailand or Hong Kong.
“During my visit, I met with Japan Airlines and Peach Aviation in Osaka. They don’t have immediate plans, but indicated Penang will be considered when they expand in the future,” he said.
Peach Aviation, a budget carrier based in Osaka, currently flies to Singapore.
Wong said additional aircraft orders post-pandemic could pave the way for Penang services.
He added that Batik Air would introduce a Penang–Singapore service in the fourth quarter of this year, while Hong Kong Express would double its Hong Kong–Penang route from one to two flights daily.
“Penang is already the aviation hub for the northern region in the country. We also serve transit passengers from Medan, who fly into Penang before connecting to China, India or Dubai,” he said.
Wong also said India had risen into Penang’s top six markets following the launch of Indigo Airlines’ Chennai–Penang direct service on December 17 last year.
“Before this, India was outside the top 10. But from January to July this year, we received 14,000 arrivals from India, equivalent to a 145% increase compared to the same period last year.
“India is now in number six, after Indonesia, China, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand,” he said.
He added that further discussions were underway with other carriers to explore more routes to India.
“India has the world’s biggest population, and the opportunities are huge. Penang has long ties with Tamil Nadu as well,” Wong said.
Among those present were PCEB directors Wong Yuee Harng, who is Pengkalan Kota assemblyman, Lee Boon Heng, who is Kebun Bunga assemblyman, Datin S. Bharathi, who is Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager, and Datuk Khoo Boo Lim, who is Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice-president.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting