The Malaysian travel industry recorded more than RM40 million in sales during the Matta Fair 2022 that was held on April 9-10 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said this was an encouraging sign of recovery for the tourism sector.

"More than 100 exhibitors including 17 national and state tourism organisations participated in Malaysia's largest consumer travel fair which resumed for the second time after November 2021. 

"Many visitors checked out the exhibitors selling not only domestic but international packages as well and it was vibrant with many sales concluded. Cruise packages also sold well at the fair," he said.

Tan added that based on the results at the "Matta Fair's Buyers' Contest", the most popular international destinations were Turkey, the United Kingdom and Japan

"Matta Fair was pleased to have Malaysia Airlines as the official airline and its sister companies Firefly and MASWings, that served as a drawing factor for customers who were looking forward to superb deals ranging from airfare tickets, holidays packages and experiences, plus multiple travel perks for their next getaway.

"We are looking forward to the next Matta Fair planned for Sept 2-4 this year.

"With the relaxation of the Malaysian Covid-19 testing regime effective May 1, flight connectivity is set to improve considerably which will auger well for both inbound and outbound traffic," said Tan.

He thanked the Sarawak Tourism Board for supporting Matta Fair as "Malaysia's Favourite Destination", and the consumers, sponsors and partners who helped make the fair a success.