03-05-2025
Travel fair in Penang set to attract 45,000
(From left) Leong, Hamzah, Tien and Chan at the press conference in George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has geared up for a bigger MATTA Fair Penang this year.
Scheduled to take place at Setia SPICE Arena on May 24 and 25, the fair will shine a spotlight on local destinations in support of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, said the event organising chairman Datuk Hamzah Rahmat.
International travel packages will also be available.
'MATTA Fair Penang has always been more than just a travel exhibition. It's a platform for growth, innovation and opportunity.
'This year the fair is expected to attract about 45,000 visitors, with projected sales reaching RM78mil over the two-day event, making it the leading travel fair in the northern region,' he said during a press conference in Jalan Macalister, George Town.
Hamzah said 260 booths had been booked by tour operators and tourism industry players who would be showcasing their products and services at the fair.
Last year, the fair managed to attract about 40,000 visitors and generated about RM40mil in sales, he said.
RHB Bank, being the event's exclusive Platinum Sponsor, will unveil a comprehensive suite of travel-focused financial offerings, including exclusive travel perks all tailored for today's increasingly mobile and experience-driven consumers.
'This strategic collaboration between MATTA and RHB Bank reflects a shared commitment to creating high-impact opportunities for industry players and consumers alike,' said Hamzah.
'With RHB Bank as our exclusive Platinum Sponsor, we're not only empowering our exhibitors but also giving travellers practical tools to make their journeys more affordable, seamless and rewarding.
'RHB's exclusive offerings add real value to the travel planning process, making their cards a must-have for anyone serious about travel,' he added.
RHB Banking Group regional director Joe Tien said the fair's visitors who apply for the bank's Multi-Currency Visa Debit Card could have application fees waived.
'RHB aims to support travellers and travel industry players in unlocking exciting journeys through smart, accessible and rewarding financial solutions.
'The debit card allows users to transact with ringgit and up to 33 foreign currencies, enjoying access to a fast, simple and seamless online banking experience wherever they go,' he said.
Also present were MATTA Penang chapter chairman Carolyn Leong and RHB Bank Lebuh Pantai branch manager Chan Suet Bee.
Admission to the MATTA Fair Penang event is free.
