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The Star
25-05-2025
- The Star
Domestic travel the main draw at Penang MATTA Fair
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.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Promote ASEAN as single tourism destination to boost regional travel
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has called for a more integrated and aggressive push to promote ASEAN as a single, cohesive tourism destination — a concept that highlights the region as a unified travel experience — rather than marketing individual countries separately. MATTA President Nigel Wong Chun Teim said the 10-member regional bloc should capitalise on this approach to boost intra-ASEAN travel and attract more international tourists to Southeast Asia. 'In some places like Europe, we help promote ASEAN as a single destination while still highlighting each country's unique attractions. Travellers may enter through Malaysia or another ASEAN country, but Malaysia remains a key stop on their itinerary,' he told Bernama when contacted. Wong said coordinated efforts by ASEAN nations to present the region as an interconnected travel zone would not only enhance visibility on the global tourism map but also boost tourist arrivals, particularly to Malaysia. 'One of the key growth markets is intra-ASEAN travel. ASEAN should do more to encourage its own citizens to explore the region. Promoting this aggressively will benefit every member state and uplift overall inbound tourism,' he said. Wong noted that ASEAN continues to appeal to global travellers due to its favourable climate, rich cultural diversity, warm hospitality and affordability. However, he pointed out that poor regional and international connectivity remains one of the main barriers to tourism growth. 'Take Kuching, for example. It's geographically close to several ASEAN destinations, yet flight options remain limited. It's encouraging to see the government working with airline partners to expand connectivity within the region,' he said. On Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, Wong said it presents a strategic opportunity to position the country as a central travel hub in Southeast Asia. He said the hundreds of high-level meetings and official events planned throughout the year could directly or indirectly boost tourist arrivals and strengthen Malaysia's international tourism profile. Wong also pointed to Thailand's 'Six Countries, One Destination' initiative introduced last year, which seeks to make ASEAN more accessible by simplifying travel across six participating countries — Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand — with Singapore expected to join. The initiative aims to encourage international tourists to visit multiple ASEAN countries in a single trip, reinforcing the bloc's position as a unified tourism hub. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) reported that Malaysia recorded 13.4 million tourist arrivals from January to April 2025, marking a 21 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. MOTAC has set a target of 45 million international visitors for 2025, with projected tourism receipts totalling RM270 billion. As the chair and host of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia is currently hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings. This is the fifth time Malaysia is chairing ASEAN, after previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Promote ASEAN as single tourism destination
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has called for a more integrated and aggressive push to promote ASEAN as a single, cohesive tourism destination — a concept that highlights the region as a unified travel experience — rather than marketing individual countries separately. MATTA President Nigel Wong Chun Teim said the 10-member regional bloc should capitalise on this approach to boost intra-ASEAN travel and attract more international tourists to Southeast Asia. 'In some places like Europe, we help promote ASEAN as a single destination while still highlighting each country's unique attractions. Travellers may enter through Malaysia or another ASEAN country, but Malaysia remains a key stop on their itinerary,' he told Bernama when contacted. Wong said coordinated efforts by ASEAN nations to present the region as an interconnected travel zone would not only enhance visibility on the global tourism map but also boost tourist arrivals, particularly to Malaysia. 'One of the key growth markets is intra-ASEAN travel. ASEAN should do more to encourage its own citizens to explore the region. Promoting this aggressively will benefit every member state and uplift overall inbound tourism,' he said. Wong noted that ASEAN continues to appeal to global travellers due to its favourable climate, rich cultural diversity, warm hospitality and affordability. However, he pointed out that poor regional and international connectivity remains one of the main barriers to tourism growth. 'Take Kuching, for example. It's geographically close to several ASEAN destinations, yet flight options remain limited. It's encouraging to see the government working with airline partners to expand connectivity within the region,' he said. On Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, Wong said it presents a strategic opportunity to position the country as a central travel hub in Southeast Asia. He said the hundreds of high-level meetings and official events planned throughout the year could directly or indirectly boost tourist arrivals and strengthen Malaysia's international tourism profile. Wong also pointed to Thailand's 'Six Countries, One Destination' initiative introduced last year, which seeks to make ASEAN more accessible by simplifying travel across six participating countries — Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand — with Singapore expected to join. The initiative aims to encourage international tourists to visit multiple ASEAN countries in a single trip, reinforcing the bloc's position as a unified tourism hub. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) reported that Malaysia recorded 13.4 million tourist arrivals from January to April 2025, marking a 21 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. MOTAC has set a target of 45 million international visitors for 2025, with projected tourism receipts totalling RM270 billion. As the chair and host of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia is currently hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings. This is the fifth time Malaysia is chairing ASEAN, after previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Promote ASEAN As Single Tourism Destination To Boost Regional Travel
By KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has called for a more integrated and aggressive push to promote ASEAN as a single, cohesive tourism destination — a concept that highlights the region as a unified travel experience — rather than marketing individual countries separately. MATTA President Nigel Wong Chun Teim said the 10-member regional bloc should capitalise on this approach to boost intra-ASEAN travel and attract more international tourists to Southeast Asia. 'In some places like Europe, we help promote ASEAN as a single destination while still highlighting each country's unique attractions. Travellers may enter through Malaysia or another ASEAN country, but Malaysia remains a key stop on their itinerary,' he told Bernama when contacted. Wong said coordinated efforts by ASEAN nations to present the region as an interconnected travel zone would not only enhance visibility on the global tourism map but also boost tourist arrivals, particularly to Malaysia. 'One of the key growth markets is intra-ASEAN travel. ASEAN should do more to encourage its own citizens to explore the region. Promoting this aggressively will benefit every member state and uplift overall inbound tourism,' he said. Wong noted that ASEAN continues to appeal to global travellers due to its favourable climate, rich cultural diversity, warm hospitality and affordability. However, he pointed out that poor regional and international connectivity remains one of the main barriers to tourism growth. 'Take Kuching, for example. It's geographically close to several ASEAN destinations, yet flight options remain limited. It's encouraging to see the government working with airline partners to expand connectivity within the region,' he said.
Daily Express
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Matta Fair important milestone: Liew
Published on: Sunday, May 11, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 11, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Christina (fourth left) posing for group photo with others at SICC. Kota Kinabalu: The 25th edition of Matta Fair Sabah was officially launched at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in the revival and growth of Sabah's tourism sector. The three-day fair from May 9, organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Headquarters in collaboration with its Sabah chapter, was officiated by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew. Christina emphasised the importance of the fair as a vital component of Sabah's ongoing efforts to promote its unique offerings to global travellers. 'Sabah is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and our rich culture, diverse ecosystems and adventure tourism opportunities continue to attract travellers from around the world. This fair is an important milestone in showcasing this and reaffirming our commitment to becoming a leading tourism hub,' she said. She said Sabah recorded RM4.5 million in sales during the recent National Matta Fair (April 18-20) in Kuala Lumpur, up from RM3 million in 2024. According to data from the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), the State recorded 923,709 tourist arrivals between January and March, with an 18.9pc increase compared to the same period in 2024. This included 366,727 international and 556,982 domestic visitors. Tourism receipts during the same period reached RM2.13 billion, up 17.7pc year-on-year. The top three international source markets were China (154,319 arrivals), South Korea (57,995 arrivals) and Brunei (45,469 arrivals). 'This growth reflects strong demand and appeal for Sabah's Culture, Adventure and Nature (CAN) tourism products, including island hopping, wildlife tours and cultural experiences at places such as the Mari Mari Cultural Village,' she added. She said the increased sales reflected a broader global interest in Sabah's tourism offerings, reinforcing the State's growing appeal as a must-visit destination in Asia. 'Our industry has not only recovered but has flourished. The demand for adventure, nature and cultural experiences in Sabah has increased dramatically. This growth affirms Sabah's place on the global tourism map. The State Government launched the 'Top 5 Mountains in Sabah' campaign at the recent Matta fair at KL, a targeted effort to promote the State's world-class peaks, including Mount Kinabalu, Mount Trus Madi and Mount Tambuyukon. Meanwhile, Organising Chairman Rocky Kho said this year's fair brings more exclusive travel deals. 'The fair aligns with Malaysia's Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, enhancing Sabah's visibility as a key tourism destination and reinforcing Matta Fair's role as a platform for promoting travel,' he said. Rocky said the Matta Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (Mesti) continues to focus on sustainable, inclusive travel, wildlife and marine conservation and cultural preservation. 'The fair is curated to deliver a consumer-focused experience, offering trusted travel agents, exclusive packages and on-ground promotions — making travel planning easy and inspiring,' he added. The fair's success was a testament to the region's resilience and its ability to adapt to changing global trends, ensuring that Sabah remained a sought-after destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and cultural explorers from across the globe. 'The journey of discovery and adventure begins right here at Matta Fair Sabah 2025,' Christina said as she officially declared the fair open. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
