Tawau holiday packages, Sabah MATTA Fair next month
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Christina Liew had been invited to launch the Tawau Holiday Packages and Sabah MATTA Fair at Suria Shopping Mall nexth month.
The Tawau Packages would be held on July 13 while Sabah MATTA Fair would be held from July 27 to 29, Tan said during Sabah Chapter of MATTA's courtesy call on Christina here yesterday.
MATTA's delegation was led by Tan, Sabah Chapter chairman Lawrence Chin, vice president Education and Training Christina Wahida Kong and the Chapter Committee members. The ministry's Permanent Secretary Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai was also present.
Tan said in a concerted effort to attract more tourists to Sabah, MATTA is working with Sabah Tourism Board to promote other major regions centred around Tawau and Sandakan.
“In response to Cristina's request, the Sabah Chapter had created more than 30 tour packages on Visit Tawau that includes products offered by tour operators, transport operators, accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions, cottage industries and shops.
“These packages will cater for the China, Europe and domestic market available through the travel agents' distribution channels and e-marketing. This is the first concerted effort by MATTA and Sabah Tourism Board to market Tawau aggressively,” he disclosed.
MATTA, Tan said, invited Christina to officiate at the launching of the Tawau Packages slated to be held in Tawau on July 13.
Tan pointed out that this is an opportunity for tourism players in Tawau to invest in tourism infrastructure and related services to cater for the impending influx of tourists.
Christina expressed hope that Tawau, being the gateway to Semporna and surrounding islands could be transformed into a much sought after tourist destination.
She was also informed that MATTA had worked closely with Sabah Tourism Board and Tourism Malaysia in domestic and overseas promotions, and look forward to collaborating with her ministry in future programmes.
A booklet ‘Halatuju: Sabah Tourism Industry Outlook 2018-2020' was presented to Christina. It comprises tourism issues in Sabah, and their challenges and proposals offered by MATTA members, with the aim of working with the authorities for the betterment of the industry.
Tan also said that MATTA was urging the ministry to prioritise tourism receipts over arrival figures, and ensuring all parties to practise sustainable and responsible tourism over short-term gains.
Christina was also invited to grace MATTA Sabah Raya Open House on June 22 at Promenade Hotel here and to launch Sabah MATTA Fair at Suria Shopping Mall which will run from July 27 to 29.
“I am very encouraged by the initiative of MATTA to be consistent in their efforts in promoting Sabah in line with the ministry's commitment to achieve our objectives. This is a clear testimony of the desire to also protect and preserve the natural heritage of Sabah, which I am very excited about,” said Christina.