The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is thrilled to announce that the 54th edition of the MATTA Fair held from 22 to 24 March 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) has exceeded expectations; attracting more than 170,000 visitors and generating in excess of RM230 million in sales.
Held during the month of Ramadan the fair, encompassing a total of 39,000 square meters of exhibition space, saw the participation of 278 exhibitors which include 12 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and 8 State Tourism Organisations (STOs) – an indication that the Malaysian tour and travel industry remains vibrant and is expected to grow.
Domestic sales turnover amounted to more than RM 31 million indicating massive growth potential in domestic tourism which has seen significant growth post-Covid.
“We have implemented a strategic plan to alleviate traffic congestion, which has been a concern during previous travel fair. Through the provision of shuttle services from key transportation hubs like MITEC’s vicinity, KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall, we managed to reduce traffic-related complaints by an impressive 65%. The overwhelming positive response to this initiative from fairgoers demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach in ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience for visitors,” said Nigel Wong, President of MATTA.
Wong further disclosed that MATTA is actively collaborating with RapidKL to augment the transportation options available to fairgoers. As part of these efforts, there will be a substantial increase in the number of buses in service, significantly reducing the waiting time intervals for attendees. This initiative is to encourage all visitors and exhibitors to take public transportation or park their cars at Sunway Putra Mall and KL Sentral for future MATTA Fairs.
Our sincere appreciation goes out to DYTM Tuanku Raja Muda Perlis for contributing to the success of our Opening Ceremony by virtue of his distinguished attendance. “The leadership demonstrated by His Royal Highness Tuanku Raja Muda Perlis and the team from Perlis Economic Planning Division, Perlis State Park, Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia and Perlis Agriculture Department, working together with private sector stakeholders like MATTA, is proof that smart partnerships like these are key to promoting destinations in a new and fresh way, ” says Wong.
“The success of MATTA Fair March 2024 is a significant milestone, signalling that the tourism industry is on the last stages of recovery and is geared towards rapid growth over the next few years,” he added.
The strategic segmentation of the domestic hall facilitated smoother interactions between buyers and sellers, making it easier for consumers to explore and select from a wide array of enticing domestic packages. MATTA is committed to further improving the Domestic Hall layout to enhance buyer satisfaction during future fairs, which will provide an even more seamless and fruitful experience for all participants.
China secured the top spot among the top 10 most popular destinations, with Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Turkiye, Vietnam, Taiwan, Switzerland, Italy and United Kingdom following closely. For domestic tourism, consumers have a preference for purchasing packages from Selangor, Sabah, Terengganu, Pahang, Kedah and Penang mainly due to the logistic considerations and diverse range of attractions. Data also revealed that during the Fair, travel packages from over 67 international destinations across North Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia were in demand.
MATTA Fair provides a platform where travel enthusiasts can obtain firsthand information from licensed travel agents and tour operators, plan their dream vacations, and take advantage of exclusive deals, all under one roof.
“We remain committed to promoting and nurturing Malaysia’s tourism sector; this travel fair is more than just an event; it is an important catalyst for the industry’s growth. The outstanding results of the MATTA Fair March 2024 inspire us to continue working persistently to generate chances, foster innovation, and give unforgettable experiences to travellers,” emphasised Wong.
“MATTA wishes to express its gratitude to all exhibitors, sponsors, visitors, and the Organizing Chairman, Datuk Tan Kok Liang and his committee, for their invaluable contribution to the overwhelming success of this travel event. Please mark your calendars for the upcoming MATTA Fair, scheduled to take place at MITEC Kuala Lumpur on 6-8 September 2024.” he concluded.