Matta Fair at SPICE Arena

GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) is returning to the SP Setia SPICE Arena for its annual Matta (trade) Fair from Sept 28 until Sept 30.

Matta has received a larger than expected participation for this round of the fair, said organising chairman Datuk Hamzah Rahmat.

“The fair is now on a bigger scale with more booths and exhibitors offering valuefor-money travel packages,” he told a press conference.

A total of 186 booths have been taken up by 63 travel companies and tourism promotion organisations.

He added Matta was partnering with Malaysia Airlines for more discounts on airfares to various destinations.

According to Hamzah, there is always demand from Malaysians for travel even though the economic outlook may seem bleak.

Visitors to the fair can also take part in the Matta Fair Buyers’ Contest where, with a minimum purchase of RM200, participants stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes such as return air tickets, seacruise holidays, hotel vouchers and admission tickets to theme parks. The fair is open from 10am to 9pm. Admission is free. The Langkawi Tourism Organisation pro-tem committee chairman Ahmad Pishol Isahak hoped that more travellers would opt for domestic destinations as foreign currencies have remained strong.

He urged inbound operators to offer competitive packages to compete with regional destinations such as Bali and Phuket.