Malaysia is targeting a significant increase in Indian tourist arrivals to its northern province of Penang, following the extension of the visa exemption for Indian nationals until 2026. After a record-breaking influx of Indian tourists in 2024, the country is now focused on promoting its northern region to attract more visitors from India. To kick off this initiative, the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) hosted the eighth edition of the Penang Roadshow in India on Monday. The roadshow, which began in Mumbai, aims to strengthen Penang’s ties with the Indian market, a key driver for both tourism and business events in the state.

In 2024, Penang hosted nearly 1,900 events, attracting 296,000 delegates and generating an estimated economic impact of RM1.27 billion. Indian visitors accounted for approximately 25% of these attendees, making India one of the top ten source countries for Penang’s tourism and business sectors. A major highlight of the roadshow was the introduction of a new direct flight from Chennai to Penang by IndiGo Airlines, which is expected to significantly enhance access to Penang for passengers from 32 cities across India, including major hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. PCEB is also looking to expand connectivity to northern Indian cities in the future.

Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, noted that the new flight connection strengthens the bond between the two regions, making Penang more accessible and encouraging greater collaboration. “It will undoubtedly elevate the experience for buyers attending the roadshow and foster long-term growth in tourism and business events,” he said. India continues to be a vital source market for Malaysia, with the country welcoming 1.01 million Indian visitors from January to November 2024, representing a 71.7% increase compared to the previous year. With the extension of the visa exemption policy, which allows Indian nationals to stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days without a visa until December 2026, Malaysia is poised to benefit further from this surge in tourism.

Penang’s unique offerings, ranging from its rich cultural heritage to its vibrant food scene and world-class venues, make it an attractive destination for Indian tourists. YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy, expressed confidence that the continued visa exemption will drive even more Indian visitors to explore the region. “Penang’s charm lies in its ability to offer something for everyone,” he said. “With the continuation of the free-visa initiative, we anticipate a significant increase in tourist arrivals, allowing Indian visitors to fully immerse themselves in Penang’s unique offerings.” With new flight connections and a growing focus on its diverse attractions, Penang is set to become an even more appealing destination for Indian travelers in the years ahead.