Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau Expresses Confidence – Ashwin Gunasekaran
Chennai, March 10
By R. Ramani
A team of 18 journalists from Penang recently traveled to Chennai from March 3, 2025, to March 6, 2025. The team included R. Ramani, a journalist from Tamil Malar, Penang.
This visit was led by Ashwin Gunasekaran, the CEO of the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB). The trip was aimed at enhancing bilateral connections between Chennai and Penang in terms of art, culture, and economic relations.
Tourist Attractions Covered in Tamil Nadu
During their visit, the journalist delegation explored several renowned tourist sites in Tamil Nadu, including:
- Mahabalipuram
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Chennai)
- Santhome Church (Chennai)
- Ekambareswarar Temple (Kanchipuram)
- Kailasanathar Temple (Kanchipuram)
- Silk Weaving Centers (Kanchipuram)
- Gemini Art Museum (Chennai)
Role of Madura Travels in Strengthening Tourism
Madura Travels, a Chennai-based company, played a key role in coordinating this media tour. Its Managing Director, Shriharan Balan, expressed his willingness to collaborate in expanding tourism between Chennai and Penang.
He highlighted that two-way tourism would offer greater opportunities for tourists from Chennai to visit Penang and vice versa, strengthening travel and business relations.
Cultural Event at Gemini Avichi Art College
The journalist delegation participated in a special cultural event held at Gemini Avichi Art College in Chennai. Notable dignitaries such as:
- Sharim Tan, Malaysian Ambassador to Sri Lanka
- K. Saravanakumar, Malaysian Consul to Tamil Nadu
attended the event, reinforcing the historical ties between Penang and Tamil Nadu.
Penang as a Growing Hub for MICE & Kollywood Film Shoots
Penang is emerging as a key destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and Kollywood film shoots, strengthening tourism ties between Tamil Nadu and Penang.
Penang has become an attractive destination for South Indian tourists, particularly for:
- Weddings
- Conferences
- Exhibitions
- Incentive Travel
Boost in Air Connectivity: Indigo’s Direct Flights
On December 21, 2024, IndiGo Airlines launched direct flights between Chennai and Penang, making travel between the two regions more convenient.
At a press conference in Chennai, PCEB CEO Ashwin Gunasekaran stated that this direct flight service has increased the number of Indian tourists visiting Penang.
Rising Interest in Destination Weddings
Gunasekaran highlighted that Penang is becoming a top destination for Indian weddings, with venues being arranged for at least 250 guests. Beachside locations and luxury resorts are in high demand for Indian destination weddings, making Penang a key player in this sector.
Increase in South Indian Tourists to Penang
More individual travelers, honeymooners, and families from South India are now choosing Penang as a preferred holiday destination, marking a shift in Indian tourism trends.
MICE Growth: More Tamil Nadu Delegations Expected
According to Wong Yuee Harng, Director of PCEB and Penglalan Kota Assembly Member, Penang will host a Yoga & Wellness Conference in April 2025, where 500 participants from Tamil Nadu are expected.
This event and similar ones are establishing Penang as a major MICE destination for Indian delegates.
11th GOTO Tamil Diaspora Conference in Penang
For the first time, the Global Organisation for Tamil Origin (GOTO) held its 11th international conference in Penang on January 4-5, 2025.
With 1,000 delegates from India, Singapore, Myanmar, and other countries, this event marked Penang’s growing importance as a MICE hub.
Penang’s Emergence as a Kollywood Film Hub
Ashwin Gunasekaran emphasized that Penang is attracting more Kollywood filmmakers, as the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) and the Malaysia Film Incentive (FIMI) are offering additional funding support.
Previously, Kollywood filmmakers struggled to shoot in Penang due to the lack of direct flights and had to travel via Kuala Lumpur. However, with direct flights now available, more film productions are considering Penang as a viable filming destination.
Increased Indian Tourist Arrivals in Penang
With the launch of IndiGo Airlines’ direct flights, Penang has seen a 51.43% increase in Indian tourist arrivals at its international airport in 2024.
This growth positions Penang as a key destination for Indian tourists and Kollywood film productions.
Meeting with Tamil Nadu’s Tourism Minister
The journalist delegation also met with Tamil Nadu’s Tourism Minister, Rajendran, and senior officials from his office. The minister assured that Tamil Nadu is ready to support tourism development between Chennai and Penang.
Strengthening Economic & Cultural Ties
For centuries, Chennai and Penang have shared strong cultural and artistic connections. Minister Rajendran expressed confidence that this growing relationship would lead to economic development for both regions.
