By V. Sivaji
The Penang State Government becomes the first state to join forces with the Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents (MATTA) as their official online partner.
Representing Penang was the State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin along with Matta Hon Treasurer, Nigel Wong and Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer, Ooi Chok Yan.
Lending support was the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Penang director, Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH Penang Chapter chairman), Tony Goh, Carolyn Leong, Penang Matta deputy chairman among others.
“This is one of the initiatives from the Penang State Tourism office to reactivate the tourism industry.
“I would like to thank Matta members from all over the country, not just those based in Penang, who are actively selling and promoting Penang.
“Although international borders have reopened, domestic tourism is still equally important in restarting the market.
“On my recent trip to Thailand, even the Tourism Minister there was also amazed and impressed with our tourism promotions being carried out,” added Yeoh.
Meanwhile Wong in his address emphasized that local tourism is also key to the industry and they do nit limit their promotions to foereign visitors and tourists.
“Since the launching of the MATTA online on June 22, 2022 by the Minister of Tourism Malaysia , we have secured some half a million in sales.
“Moreover, the site which is A!-powered and 24/7 has garnered one million impressions and RM600,000 reach on social media.
“The site offers attractive packages for hotels, airlines, tourism attractions, theme parks and other tourism products,” he added.
The event was held at the OZO Hotel Penang with full participation of stakeholders.
