Kuala lumpur: The 58th Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair has witnessed a substantial turnout, with visitors showing a strong preference for domestic and regional travel options. The fair, which commenced yesterday and spans three days, has been bustling with attendees eager to take advantage of exclusive promotions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, visitors were actively comparing prices and selecting packages that best suited their needs, many drawn by the discounted rates and family packages on offer. The event has highlighted a significant interest in exploring local destinations, a trend influenced by current global circumstances.
Maz Mei Ling, the Business-to-Business Sales non-executive director of Muslim Travel Bug Sdn Bhd, reported that her company is offering discounts of up to RM300 per person on all packages during the fair. Additionally, customers who book during the event receive free travel insurance. Mei Ling emphasized the importance of customer security, noting that payments are directed to a special account to ensure safety in unforeseen situations, thereby enhancing the company's reliability.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has made travelers more cautious, prompting many to favor domestic or East Asian locations. Despite these concerns, the majority of bookings remain unaffected, with 85 percent of customers still proceeding with their travel plans. Mei Ling also noted the availability of packages to Turkiye.
Tourism Johor's spokesman, Mohd Azhari Abu Bakar, highlighted the success of the Johor Pavilion, which aligns with the goals of Visit Johor Year and Visit Malaysia 2026. The pavilion has been well-received, offering various tourism packages and supporting state government initiatives to promote domestic tourism.
Visitor Nik Izni Fakhira Nik Ismail, 34, expressed satisfaction with the fair, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of deals compared to online options. She cited a hotel deal priced at RM689 as an example of the savings available. Another visitor, Asyiqin Ilyas, 30, was drawn to the fair by the diverse voucher offers and the extensive selection, motivated by a desire to support the local tourism industry through domestic travel.