The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has launched its Sales Mission to India 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Penang’s presence in one of its most important international tourism and business events markets. The seven-city mission began in Hyderabad on 6 July before continuing to Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Salem, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Chennai, bringing Penang directly to key industry stakeholders across India.
The sales mission is expected to engage more than 400 high-potential buyers, including travel agencies, corporate organisations, event planners and tourism partners. Through a series of business networking sessions and destination presentations, PCEB aims to build new partnerships, reinforce existing relationships and position Penang as a preferred destination for business events, corporate meetings, incentive travel, destination weddings and leisure tourism.
Conducted in collaboration with IndiGo Airline, the initiative also highlights the importance of air connectivity in supporting tourism growth between India and Penang. Improved accessibility is expected to encourage more visitors, business delegates and corporate groups to choose Penang for meetings, exhibitions, conferences and leisure travel, further strengthening the state’s tourism economy.
PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran said the sales mission provides an important opportunity to engage directly with buyers and decision-makers while gaining a deeper understanding of evolving market demands. He noted that the initiative is not only about promoting Penang’s tourism offerings but also about establishing long-term partnerships that create sustainable business opportunities for both markets.
Penang’s appeal to Indian travellers continues to grow, supported by its multicultural heritage, world-renowned cuisine, hospitality, modern convention facilities and strong cultural connections with India. As one of Penang’s top six priority markets, India presents significant growth potential across business events, corporate travel, weddings and leisure tourism.
The mission also comes at a strategic time as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Together with several upcoming hotel developments that will expand accommodation capacity, Penang is strengthening its readiness to host larger international events and welcome more high-value visitors. Through continued engagement with the Indian market, PCEB aims to generate new business leads, increase visitor arrivals and further position Penang as a leading destination for business, culture and meaningful travel experiences.
