Spotlight on local tour attractions
Hon Wai (centre) speaking during a press conference. With him are Nigel (left) and Leong. — Courtesy photo
A DEDICATED 'domestic section' will be introduced for the first time at Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair Penang, highlighting Malaysia's rich and diverse tourism offerings.
MATTA national president Nigel Wong said the new section would spotlight experiences such as eco-adventures in Sarawak, culinary journeys in Johor, family holidays in Terengganu and heritage trails in Penang.
'The initiative underscores MATTA's strong commitment to revitalising local tourism and encouraging exploration of lesser-known destinations across Malaysia.
'As a strategic partner to the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, MATTA continues to play a vital role in realising Malaysia's tourism goals.
Left: Penang International Airport has become the second busiest airport in Malaysia in 2024, ranking just behind Kuala Lumpur International Airport, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia. — Filepic
'Through our nationwide member network, collaborative state partnerships and public events like MATTA Fair Penang, we are laying the groundwork to welcome the world to our shores,' said Nigel.
MATTA Fair Penang 2025 will take place on May 24 and 25 at Setia SPICE Arena in Bayan Lepas from 10am to 9pm. Admission is free.
Nigel was quoted by state publisher Buletin Mutiara as saying that this year's travel fair was expected to draw around 45,000 visitors and generate RM78mil in sales over two days.
'The fair will be a celebration of experiences, where travel dreams take flight, bookings turn into journeys and meaningful partnerships are formed.
'From local families and solo adventurers to corporate buyers and international travellers, all are invited to take part in this dynamic event.
'There will be incredible offers and one can find inspiration for their next journey locally and abroad,' said Nigel during a press conference in George Town, Penang.
Also present were Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, MATTA Penang chapter chairman Carolyn Leong and MATTA Fair Penang organising chairman Datuk Hamzah Rahmat.
Hon Wai said Penang's tourism industry had exceeded pre-Covid-19 pandemic performance, marking a remarkable milestone in the state's recovery and growth.
Penang International Airport (PIA) now handles 320 international flights weekly, he said, surpassing the 284 recorded in February 2019, just before the onset of the pandemic.
'If we look further back to February 2016, there were only 208 international flights per week.
'The growth is an astounding 54%, a testament to Penang's rising connectivity and international appeal.
'According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, PIA has become the second busiest airport in Malaysia in 2024, ranking just behind Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
'This milestone speaks volumes about Penang's resilience, strategic planning and increasing importance in the national tourism landscape.
'Our national aviation champion, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) – which operates Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal by Malaysia Airlines – is also on board in a major way.
'I look forward to MAG consolidating and affirming PIA as Malaysia's second gateway,' Hon Wai added.
In a landmark move, MATTA is also entering the sports tourism sector with the launch of MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025.
The inaugural tournament will be held from Oct 9 to 19 in Kuching, Sarawak, positioning Malaysia as a growing destination for international sports events.
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