The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair Penang 2022 is slated to be held August 20 and 21, 2022 at the Setia Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas.
In view of the rebounding of domestic and international tourism markets, the fair is a much anticipated event.
For the first time in its history, the organising chairman person is a lady – Ms Carolyn Leong who is also the Matta Penang Chapter Deputy chairman.
Penang Hyperlocal had a chance to sit down with the organising chairwoman to get some insights and explore more details on the upcoming fair.
Q – How many booths and counters will be there at this year’s Matta Fair Penang ?
A – There will be 160 booths which have all been taken up. The extremely great response had us turn away some last minute bookings. Some 60% will cater for domestic tourism while over 30% will offer overseas destinations.
Q – Who are the major participants from the travel industry , cruise lines, state tourism organisations ?
A – Malaysia Airlines is the official airline for the fair and they along with Firefly are contributing eight tickets for the business and economy class. The Royal Caribbean Lines (RCL) and Resort World Cruises will also offer their promotions. Among the state tourism organisations are the KL Tourism Bureau, Sarawak Tourism Board, Perak Management, Tourism Melaka, Enchanting Sabah, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Tourism Pahang.
Q – Are there any foreign countries putting up their booths at the fair ?
A – Tourism Western Australia (TWA) who will give away their cutest free gifts like quokka bear soft tours and travelling bags and etc and Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).
As for the cruise industry, the Royal Caribbean Lines (RCL) and Resort World Cruises will also offer their promotions at their booths.
Q – Any special highlights for Penangites at this year’s fair ?
A – Unlike other years, there will also be cultural performances from Peranakan Baba-Nyonya, Borio Omaru, Indonesian cultural dancers and KL Tourism Board.
Q – What is the target in RM for this year ?
A – We hope to make anywhere from 70-80% of the turnover from the last Matta Fair in Penang in 2019. This is because the tourism industry is still in the recovery stage.
Q- What can the visitors look at the fair ?
A- There will be lots of lucky draws offering air tickets to Los Angele, Perth, Bangkok, Saigon and Taipei. The KTO will also give away varoous gifts.
Among the sponsors are Cathay Pacific, China airline , Qantas, Jetstar, Thai Smile , Airasia, Qatar & Emirate airline and wholesale agent Golden destination who sponsored 2 Bangkok tickets and travelling accessories.
Leong also called on one and all to come and enjoy the fair and also book their next holiday destination which will suit your budget. This is the best opportunity to get bargain deals and packages for domestic and foreign destinations.
So make yourself free next weekend and do not miss out on the Matta Fair Penang.