Domestic travel the main draw at Penang MATTA Fair

The Star

7 days ago

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang edition of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair this year is seeing exhibitors focusing on domestic destinations in support of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Besides attractive local destinations, international travel packages are also available at the two-day fair, which kicked off at the Setia SPICE Arena yesterday.
Thousands of visitors turned out as early as 10am on the first day, eagerly waiting in line at the main entrance to get into the Arena, where various tourism packages were up for grabs.
Among the first-time visitors to the fair were Nabila Salam and her husband Muhamad Wafi Ahmad Musrab, both 29, and their baby.
'We heard that the Penang MATTA Fair is offering great domestic travel deals this year, so we decided to check it out,' said Nabila.
The account administration executive shared that she and her husband were planning a trip to Sabah next year and were browsing for the most affordable travel packages available.
She added that family-friendly tour options, particularly those that include island-hopping and nature excursions, were among their top preferences.
'We're hoping to find a package that balances relaxation with some adventure, maybe something with a mix of some time at the beach and cultural activities,' she said.
Engineer Muhamad Wafi expressed interest in child-friendly deals that include accommodation and transportation.
'Travelling with a baby means we need convenience. If meals, airport transfers or guided tours are included, that's a big plus,' he said.
Administration executive Joan Tan and her friend Summer Yeoh, both 30, want to look for the best bargains before deciding where to go.
'Actually, we are planning for Japan, but there are so many other interesting destination packages on offer here,' said Tan.
Yeoh said they still had one more day to look for good and affordable packages.
'We will look around first before deciding where to go, but Japan will definitely be our first option,' she added.
Exhibitors are looking forward to a rousing response from visitors.
An exhibitor from Kota Kinabalu, Wilrialyn William, said one of the most sought-after packages in Sabah is the five-day, four-night Kundasang package, available for RM1,516 to RM1,239 per person.
'This ground package includes a visit to Jambatan Tamparuli, Kundasang, Desa Farm and island-hopping to Manukan and Sapi islands,' she said.
The sales and reservation executive, 42, said there are also three day, two-night packages worth less than RM300 for Malaysian citizens.
Travel tour company manager Nurin Afrina Batrisyia Mohd Khairul Nizam, 21, said there are plenty of international travel packages offered by her company.
'Among the popular destinations are Turkiye, Vietnam, Japan and Yunnan in China,' she said, adding that the packages are priced between RM1,000 and RM8,000 depending on the destination.
She noted that Europe is also a popular holiday choice, with favourite destinations including the Balkan region and Central Europe.
MATTA Penang chapter chairman Carolyn Leong said the first day of the event was positive, with visitors lining up at the entrance from as early as 10am.
'We expect some 45,000 visitors to attend the two-day event,' she said.
Leong noted that visitors can look forward to various packages for domestic tourist destinations such as Sabah and Sarawak, with direct flights from Penang through Malaysia Airlines (MAS).
Regarding international travel packages, she said China is expected to be a major market, driven by the recent implementation of visa-free policies.
Industry observers anticipate a surge in outbound travel to China.
State tourism committee chairman Wong Hon Wai launched the start of the fair yesterday.
In his speech, he highlighted an important new feature at this year's fair – the Domestic Tourism Zone – which was being introduced for the first time.
'It's a great initiative to help more Malaysians explore the beauty of our own country.
'Local tourism has great potential, and this zone gives it the space and attention it deserves,' he said.
This year's fair features 258 booths by 90 exhibitors, covering 7,427sqm on two levels of the Arena.
Among the participants are 60 tour and travel agencies, the Uganda Tourism Board, 11 hotels and resorts, a theme park and an airline company.