RM20m holidays taken up at Penang Matta Fair

GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair held at Straits Quay from March 30 to April 1 garnered a total sales value of over RM20 million and attracted more than 21,500 visitors.

Matta secretary-general Nigel Wong said the number of contestants who took part in the Buyers’ Contest was also encouraging at 838 contestants with 22,328 entries and a total expenditure of RM4,562,362.50.

Based on a summary report of Penang Matta Fair buyers’ contest, the leading domestic destinations were Penang, followed by Sabah, Sarawak, Perak and Selangor. Top international destinations were China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Turkey.

Clara Cherubin yesterday emerged as the lucky winner of a six-day and four-night Hokkaido Holiday Package for two persons worth RM15,000, courtesy of Apple Vacations and Conventions Sdn Bhd.

She said she was shocked when her name was announced as the winner. “My heart was pumping really fast just now,” she said.

Cherubin bought a travel package to Cambodia during the fair, adding that she had been to several places such as Hong Kong and Macau.

The 55-year-old international school secretary in Tanjung Bungah said she will definitely return for the fair in September to look out for more offers.

Visitors with a minimum purchase of RM200 were eligible to win many international and domestic holiday packages worth over RM60,000.

The next fair is scheduled for Sept 28-30 at SPICE Arena.