(Fourth from left) MATTA deputy president Sheikh Awadh, Wong, Dersenish and MAG Airline global sales head Syazwan Ahmad Sabri with cabin crew members from Malaysia Airlines and Firefly. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
DREAMING of your next getaway?
Well, MATTA Fair 2024 is set to return with irresistible travel deals to make those dreams a reality.
From Sept 6 to 8, Malaysia’s biggest travel event will return to the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec), Kuala Lumpur.
The 55th edition of the fair promises to offer travellers the chance to secure unbeatable discounts and exclusive packages from Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Firefly.
This year, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has partnered with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).
This positions MAS and Firefly as official airline partners, and premier sponsors of the event.
MAG chief commercial officer Dersenish Aresandiran said both airlines would bring exciting offers for travellers.
Customers can expect discounts of up to 30% on airfares for domestic and international flights within the airlines’ networks.
These exclusive offers will be available at the physical fair and extend online from Sept 5 to 16.
Deals will be valid for immediate travel up to Aug 31, 2025.
“Malaysia Airlines is offering up to 30% off on airfares for domestic and international flights within its network.
“Additionally, we are providing up to 15% off on ancillary products including seats and meals.
“Firefly will also be offering up to 30% off on all seats and flights in all of our hubs, from Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Subang airports,” he said.
Dersenish also said there would be added perks for loyal customers.
“There will be an Enrich priority sale starting on Sept 4 with an additional 5% discount for Enrich members,” he said.
“Normal sales will commence on Sept 5,” he said.
Through the airline loyalty programme, Enrich members will be able to enjoy 5% off their bookings while EnrichMoney users can earn five times the regular amount of the EnrichMoney reward points.
MATTA Fair is not just about discounts, it promises memorable experiences.
The MAG Pavilion, sprawling over 1,022sqm on Level 3, will be a hive of activities.
Among these, Dersenish recommends the virtual reality experience showcasing the all-new Airbus A330neo seats.
This interaction, he said, would give visitors a taste of the cutting-edge comfort offered by MAS.
In addition to these high-tech experiences, football fans will be thrilled to meet legends from Manchester United.
These stars will be making appearances throughout the three-day event as part of MAG’s partnership with the football club.
MAG will also host the MATTA Fair Buyers Contest offering 23 return tickets, including Business Class seats to destinations such as London and Sydney.
For every RM100 spent, visitors will be entitled to one contest entry.
MATTA president Nigel Wong emphasised on the association’s strong partnership with MAG.
“The company always upholds Malaysian hospitality and this is a key reason why we continue this partnership.”
With an expected turnout of 200,000 visitors, the fair will host 1,590 booths.
Other national tourism organisations setting up booths include participants from Indonesia, India, China, South Korea, Japan, Pakistan, Taiwan, Turkiye and Uzbekistan.
To ease traffic congestion, the organiser encourages visitors to use its free shuttle services to and from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall.
Shuttle buses will run every 10 to 15 minutes.
A marketing campaign to promote the shuttle service will offer prizes to lucky passengers.
In light of global health concerns, Wong said, “We advise all travellers to take necessary precautions and stay informed.”
He said this after the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared the mpox outbreak in Africa as a global health emergency.
Wong said that although the outbreak has not had an impact on travel within Malaysia, there might be a slight shift in travel patterns.
“Although this doesn’t necessarily mean a decrease in overall travel, it could affect the destinations people choose,” he said.
Entrance to the fair is free.
It opens from 10am to 9pm, Sept 6 to 8.
For details, visit the MATTA Fair 2024 website.
