By V. Sivaji
The much awaited MATTA Fair Penang 2024 will be held at the SPICE Arena from April 27 to 28, 2024.
Holiday makers from the Northern Region can look forward to lots of travel packages and options which will be available for visitors to plan their next holiday either for domestic or international packages.
The fair is open from 10am to 9pm.
A launching ceremony and press conference was held at the MATTA office at Menara BHL attended by State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai and MATTA Penang chairman Ms Carolyn Leong.
Also present was Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan, Lisa Wong (representing MAG Group), Puan Hadilah Rozali (MOTAC Penang), Dato Tony Goh (MAH Penang chairman), Dato Ch’ng Huck Theng (ATAP chairman), Dato Lim Mee Lee (PHA chairman), Joe Tien (Regional Director RHB Bank) and Puan Zurina Saud (Tourism Malaysia in Penang).
To-date some more than 260 booths have been finalised and the organisers hope to hit the 300 mark by the closing date.
“We are happy for the participation of tour operators, airlines, cruise industry and also theme parks in the fair. Last year, we managed to draw some 29,000 visitors and managed to do a turnover of RM33 million.
“For this year, we are optimistic that we can do much higher and hit the RM40 million mark turnover”, added Leong.
Meanwhile, Wong is optimistic that more direct flights will make their way to Penang with Juneyao Airlines and another direct flight from Chennai, India in the pipeline.
“We are also glad to learn of the latest developments on the Penang LRT project which will connect Komtar to the Penang International Airport and also the Setia SPICE Convention Centre”, added Wong.
He also shared that his office is also in contact with the Home Ministry to further improve the travel experience of tourists at the immigration and customs clearing sections at the PIA.
“We have shared our concern with Malaysia Airport Berhad (MAB) in Penang and have arranged a holding area on the second floor for the convenience of travellers. We are also in contact with the relevant authorities on this matter”, he added.
