THE upcoming MATTA Fair Penang at the Setia SPICE Arena is set to be bigger and better with the increased participation of exhibitors in the travel industry.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Penang Chapter chairman Carolyn Leong said the two-day fair, on Sept 30 and Oct 1, would be held at the Arena and the Concourse of the building.
“It will be bigger than last year. As of now, 261 booths have been taken up. A total of 153 booths were taken up last year.
“We are expecting about 30,000 visitors thronging the fair, which can generate between RM25 million and RM30 million in sales transactions,” she told a media conference at Komtar today.
Leong said MATTA Penang Chapter, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), would also be sponsoring booths for two charity organisations – the St Nicholas Home and the Eden Handicap Service Centre – for them to showcase and provide their services at the fair.
As for the travel package buyers, Leong said attractive ‘Buyers Draw’ prizes await them.
“There are more than 60 prizes worth over RM200,000 in value to be won!
“The prizes include flight tickets by renowned airlines, cruises and hotel stays,” she said, adding that the grand prize is a Business Class return ticket to Tokyo, Japan, courtesy of Malaysia Airlines.
Malaysia Airlines is the official airline for the upcoming MATTA Fair Penang.
Leong said MATTA Fair Penang would also be promoting local destinations besides international travel.
“The fair is a gateway to countless possibilities, and it offers a diverse spectrum of the travel industry,” she said.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the fair would mark a significant milestone for the state’s tourism industry.
“I understand that many travel agents and MATTA members nationwide have chosen to take part in MATTA Fair Penang.
“The fair offers a unique opportunity for everyone to foster and explore meaningful collaborations.
“MATTA Fair Penang caters to all, whether you are a travel agent looking for exciting packages to promote, or a traveller seeking your next adventure.
“Take advantage of this fair to secure fantastic deals, discover exciting destinations and meet with tour operators and hoteliers,” he said.
Also present were Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Malaysia Airlines northern region commercial and sales area manager Lisa Wong, AirAsia northern region director Kenneth Tan, Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Datuk Khoo Boo Lim, and tourism industry key players.
The fair will be held from 10am to 9pm.
For more details, visit www.mattafair.org.my
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud