Lee (third from left), project secretary Kenny Ngi (third from right) and committee members at a press conference on an upcoming MATTA fair in Johor Baru.
TRAVEL enthusiasts can look forward to the Johor Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair to get their hands on holiday packages and deals.
Johor MATTA Fair organising chairman Kathryn Lee said destinations such as China, Europe, Thailand and Taiwan were expected to be in great demand during the event, which runs from Aug 4 to 6 (10.30am to 9.30pm) at Austin International Convention Centre in Johor Baru.With China having reopened its borders to foreign tourists, Lee said holidaymakers were bound to enquire about travelling to the republic.
“China has always been a popular tourist destination among Malaysians. Holidaying there was not possible until this year because of the Chinese government’s border restrictions.
“We expect China to regain its momentum soon for both inbound and outbound tourists,” Lee said.
She added that cruise packages, which was a top choice among travellers at the Johor MATTA Fair held in March, would continue to be a popular choice this time round.
Visitors can also find all types of travel deals at the fair, including umrah packages and airline tickets. Admission to the fair is free.
“There will be 43 participating travel-related organisations taking up 103 booths and we expect a turnout of about 12,000 people across the three days,“ said Lee.
“Those who prefer domestic travel will be glad to know that the Langkawi Development Authority will be joining the fair as the largest participant with 10 booths.
“Besides that, the Sabah Tourism Board and Kuala Lumpur Tourism Unit will be there to promote their destinations.
“With people getting more excited to travel, we expect a sales turnover of RM10mil, which will be an increase from the RM7mil recorded in March,” she said.
Lee said a creative photo contest would be held throughout the fair and visitors stood a chance to win prizes such as flight tickets and hotel stay.
“Buyers are entitled to a lucky draw entry for every RM300 spent on local packages and RM500 spent on international packages.
“The draw will be conducted at 9.30pm on the last day of the fair,” she added.
Lee said those staying outside Johor Baru could attend a two-day MATTA Fair at Summit Mall in Batu Pahat on July 22 and 23, held from 10am to 10pm daily.
For details, call the Johor MATTA office at 07-350 0190.
