More reasons to visit Japan
> Land of the Rising Sun is ‘Asia’s Favourite Destination’ at Matta Fair 2018
KUALA LUMPUR: There are more reasons now for Malaysian travellers to experience the wonders of Japan as the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has announced the Land of the Rising Sun as “Asia’s Favourite Destination” at Matta Fair 2018.
From the sandy beaches of Okinawa to the winter wonderland of Hokkaido, experiencing Japan is just a ticket away with deals and packages offered throughout the three-day fair, to be held from March 16 to 18 at the Putra World Trade Centre.
Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), the largest national tourist office represented at the fair with 24 booths, will be showcasing Japan’s latest attractions and providing information to visitors.
JNTO Kuala Lumpur office executive director Chiemi Maruyama said the wonders of four seasons in Japan will be the biggest draw for travellers.
“Japan can satisfy first-time visitors and provide new discoveries to repeaters as different seasons bring about a different experience,” she said.
“JNTO is also keen to bring the early cherry blossoms to Malaysians, that will first appear in Okinawa before moving northwards,” she told a press conference at the Matta head office yesterday.
The fair will also see JNTO promoting less-known destinations in Japan, apart from the popular spots such as Tokyo and Osaka.
“There are plenty of other areas that can be explored, such as those in Kyushu as well as Shikoku, the smallest of the four major islands of Japan.
“We hope to have more inbound travellers coming to places that are less popular but equally amazing,” she added.
Many activities will be held at the Japan Pavilion to immerse visitors in the culture and unique traditions of the country.
Matta president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the partnership with JNTO will further enhance relations between Japan and Malaysia in the tourism industry.
There has been a surge in Malaysian tourists to Japan following abolition of visa requirements in 2013.
“A total of 439,500 Malaysians visited Japan in 2017, compared with 394,268 visitors the year before, an increase of 11.5%,” he said.
This is the third time Japan has been announced as Asia’s favourite destination, apart from 2013 and 2014.
The Matta Fair will be open from 10am to 9pm.
Admission is RM4 per person with free entry for children below the age of 12.