Melaka: The MATTA Fair Melaka 2026 is serving as a vital platform to intensify domestic tourism, as geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia continue to impact international travel.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the fair's organising chairman, Halimah Ahmad, noted that the situation has led to an increase in demand for local and regional travel packages, with Melaka being positioned as a primary alternative holiday destination. "This includes tourists from East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, who are now showing high interest in holiday destinations available in this country. At the same time, domestic demand has also recorded an encouraging increase in line with efforts to encourage local tourism," she stated during a press conference at the MATTA Melaka Chapter Secretariat Office in Bukit Baru.

Also present at the event were MATTA Melaka chairman Goh Hock Gin and Tourism Malaysia Southern Region assistant director Norisyam Odzali. Halimah elaborated that demand among domestic tourists has risen, particularly for unique products such as houseboats in Perak and Melaka, as well as destinations in Sabah and Sarawak. She highlighted that packages for island destinations in the country, including Langkawi, Pulau Redang, and Pulau Perhentian, remain popular among travelers.

Halimah further mentioned that the organizers are targeting some 20,000 visitors for the MATTA Fair Melaka 2026, scheduled to be held at a shopping mall from April 17 to 19. The fair offers over 100 domestic and international travel packages and is an annual event aimed at promoting Melaka as a premier tourism destination in Asia and a hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

The event is anticipated to draw more than 30 exhibitors with 40 booths across various segments, including domestic and international tourism, theme parks, local products, and umrah and haj packages. It also promotes 14 state tourism sub-sectors, such as history, culture, recreation, health, education, and ecotourism.