Here are 10 key points Malaysia Extends Visa-Free Entry for Indians to Visit Penang Until 2026:
- Visa-Free Entry Extension: Malaysia has extended visa-free entry for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026, allowing stays of up to 30 days.
- Focus on Penang: The country aims to attract more Indian tourists to Penang, a northern Malaysian province, following record-breaking tourist numbers in 2024.
- Penang Roadshow: The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) launched its eighth Penang Roadshow to India, starting in Mumbai, to strengthen ties with the Indian market.
- Indian Market Significance: Indians accounted for 25% of Penang\u2019s business event visitors in 2024, making India one of Penang\u2019s top ten source markets.
- Economic Impact: In 2024, Penang hosted 1,900 events, attracting 2.96 lakh delegates and generating an economic impact of RM1.27 billion.
- New Direct Flights: IndiGo Airlines introduced direct flights between Penang and Chennai, with access to 32 domestic cities in India, including major hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
- Increased Connectivity Plans: Efforts are underway to establish more flight connections between Penang and northern Indian cities.
- Tourism Growth: Malaysia recorded 10.09 lakh Indian visitors between January and November 2024, a 71.7% increase compared to 2023.
- Strategic Collaboration: Officials see improved connectivity and events like the roadshow as key to fostering long-term growth in tourism and business events.
- Diverse Attractions: Penang offers cultural experiences, culinary delights, and world-class venues, appealing to a wide range of Indian tourists.
Malaysia Aims to Attract More Indian Tourists to Penang with Visa-Free Entry Extension Until 2026
Mumbai: Malaysia is focusing on increasing the number of Indian tourists visiting its northern province of Penang by extending the visa exemption for Indian travelers until 2026. Following a record-breaking influx of Indian tourists in 2024, the country is aiming to build on this momentum by promoting Penang as a key destination for Indian visitors.
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The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), a state agency focused on enhancing business events and meetings in Penang, kicked off its eighth Penang Roadshow to India on Monday. The event, starting in Mumbai, is designed to strengthen ties with the Indian market, which plays a significant role in Penang’s tourism and business events sectors.
In 2024, Penang hosted approximately 1,900 events, drawing 2.96 lakh delegates and generating an estimated economic impact of RM1.27 billion. Officials estimate that Indians account for 25% of these visitors, making India one of the top ten source countries for Penang’s tourism industry.
Penang has long been a leading destination for business events in the region, and the roadshow seeks to position it as the preferred choice for Indian buyers and stakeholders. A key highlight of the event was the announcement of new direct flights between Penang and Chennai by IndiGo Airlines. This new connection is expected to be a game-changer, providing access to Penang from 32 domestic cities in India, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. PCEB is also working to establish additional connectivity between Penang and cities in northern India.
Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of PCEB, emphasized the importance of this new connectivity, stating, “This new connection strengthens the bond between our regions, making Penang more accessible and enabling greater collaboration. It will undoubtedly enhance the experience for buyers attending the roadshow and drive long-term growth in tourism and business events.”
India continues to be a vital source market for Malaysia, with 10.09 lakh Indian visitors recorded between January and November 2024—a 71.7% increase compared to the previous year. To support this growth, Malaysia has extended its visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026, allowing Indian tourists to enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days.
YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy, remarked, “Penang offers something for everyone, from cultural experiences and culinary delights to world-class venues. With the continuation of the free-visa initiative, we anticipate a significant rise in tourist arrivals, enabling Indian visitors to fully enjoy Penang’s unique offerings.”
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