KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah MATTA Fair, held in May, has achieved success, prompting organisers to schedule a second edition in October. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel (MATTA) Sabah chairman Christina Wahida Kong stated that the decision to hold a second fair was made after members expressed their desire for it. Kong, who was recently elected as chairman of Sabah MATTA, explained that with the opening of borders and the increase in direct flights to Sabah, the members of MATTA Sabah want to collaborate with the state tourism ministry to encourage a balanced flow of tourists entering and leaving the state. She also highlighted that airlines require outbound tourists to sustain their operations, and thus her members are eager to create packages to fill the seats.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew expressed the state government’s full support for the second MATTA fair, emphasizing its positive impact on Sabah tourism and the demand from the public. She advised Kong and her committee to coordinate with the Sabah Tourism Board and airlines in organizing the fair. Liew called it a good idea and the right time to grow their business, assuring them of the government’s support within its capacity. She recommended attracting a wide range of tour and travel agents, including non-members, from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak to maximize returns.
Liew also underscored the importance of achieving a balance between inbound and outbound tourism. As an incentive for potential travelers from Sabah planning to visit China, she suggested offering cheaper or discounted airfares. The second MATTA fair is scheduled to take place at the Sabah International Convention Centre from October 13-15, with Liew expected to launch the event on October 14. Former Sabah MATTA chairman Lawrence Chin revealed that the first fair generated sales of over RM25mil and attracted more than 15,000 visitors over three days.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
