Some 300 booths promoting international and domestic travel packages at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair Penang 2024 were all snapped up even before the registration date closed on April 15.

The fair's organising chairman for the third consecutive year, Carolyn Leong, said this indicated the promising growth of the state's tourism industry.

"The booths have all been taken up even before the registration date closed.

"This shows the confidence the travel agents have in the fair, which also augurs well for the state's efforts in promoting local tourism," she said recently, adding that the tourism industry is picking up again and travellers are eager to resume exploring the world.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Penang Chapter chairman Carolyn Leong is optimistic about tourism rebound and compliments the state’s efforts in promoting local tourism as well.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Penang Chapter chairman Carolyn Leong is optimistic about tourism rebound and compliments the state’s efforts in promoting local tourism as well.

She said the fair will not only feature travel agents offering attractive packages to international destinations but also domestic travel agents who will be promoting Penang to Penangites and holidaymakers alike from the northern region states such as Kedah and Perak.

"Therefore, to encourage domestic players, MATTA Penang is subsidising 50% of the booth price for them.

"Besides featuring Penang's attractions and charm as a heritage city, the state's tourism booth will also highlight attractions and holiday spots in other parts of Penang such as Balik Pulau's greenery and durian orchards as well as other activities found on mainland Penang," she added.

The fair that will be held at the Setia SPICE Arena on April 27 and 28, is expected to draw some 35,000 visitors.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai (centre, in batik) and Leong (on his right) together with industry stakeholders at last year’s MATTA Fair Penang opening ceremony.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai (centre, in batik) and Leong (on his right) together with industry stakeholders at last year’s MATTA Fair Penang opening ceremony.

The booths set up at the arena and concourse areas will feature both domestic and international exhibitors representing a diverse range from the travel industry including airlines, financial institutions, travel agents, hoteliers, associations, theme parks, wellness spas and other small businesses.

Leong said a sales revenue of RM40mil is expected at this year's fair compared to the RM33mil recorded last year.

"The fair will be a one-stop venue for everyone's travel needs offering fantastic deals, be it domestic or international packages.

"We have Malaysian Airlines as our official airline and RHB Bank has come in too," said Leong, who is also chief executive officer (CEO) of Angel Tours Sdn Bhd.
The highlight of the travel fair will be the lucky draw prizes which will see visitors winning air tickets from flydubai, Xiamen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, China Airlines, Starlux Airlines, and Air Arabia to destinations like Dubai, Xiamen, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Visitors who buy any domestic packages by securing a RM300 deposit per person will stand a chance to take part in the lucky draw to win an air ticket to a domestic destination while anyone who buys an international holiday package with a deposit of RM1,000 will be eligible to win an air ticket to an international destination.

Besides air tickets, visitors who take part in the lucky draws also stand a chance to win hotel stays, staycations, tour vouchers and admission tickets.

Leong said the fair will feature halal tourism or Muslim-friendly travel packages too which has been gaining popularity.

She noted that the favourite travel packages this year includes China due to the one-year visa waiver programme between Malaysia and China, and other countries such as Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Dubai, Indonesia and Thailand.

“This is due to the increasing number of direct flights between Penang and these destinations, and vice-versa.

“We are also seeing a high demand for Australia, especially Western Australia such as Perth,” she said.

As for domestic packages, Leong said Kota Kinabalu in Sabah and Kuching in Sarawak remain the most popular places for local travellers.

The fair on both days will be held from 10am to 9pm.