KUALA LUMPUR – The Matta Fair 2023 in March will be the largest event since its establishment and is expected to generate RM400 million in sales with a target of 250,000 visitors, said the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta).
Organising chairman Rocky Kho said they are expecting the fair’s biggest turnout this year, more than the previous record of 113,685 visitors in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The fair will occupy the entire facility, which includes all three exhibition floors, and will take up more than 398,264 sq ft of space in which exhibitors can display their products. This fair will set a new record for its size,” Kho told reporters during a press conference at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec), here today.
“Currently, 1,313 booths have been taken up, and we expect more will sign up,” he said.
Saudi Arabia as a new travel destination is among the highlights of this year’s fair, he said.
“Saudi Arabia is the up-and-coming player in this game. It is now one of our featured destinations to visit.
“It is a destination not just for Muslims for umrah and haj, but for everyone, including non-Muslims,” he said.
Kho said Malaysia was selected by Saudi Arabia as one of the few privileged countries to be offered multiple-entry tourist visas valid for an entire year.
“Malaysians should not pass up the opportunity to take advantage (of the visas offered),” he said.
Among the participants in the Matta Fair 2023 are tour and travel agencies, national tourism offices, state government tourism offices, hotels and resorts, theme parks, airline and cruise operators, and other travel-related services and organisations.
“We also have an umrah section. Umrah operators licensed by the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry will be selling their umrah and haj packages here, in addition to the other tours and services available,” Kho added.
Meanwhile, Matta said that shuttle services for visitors would be provided at designated pick-up and drop-off points within the vicinity of Mitec, namely at the Jalan Duta Bus Terminal, Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex, Federal Territory Mosque, Menara Miti, and Menara Matrade.
“Other locations, particularly those located close to MRT stations, are being planned and will be announced at the appropriate time,” it added.
The 52nd edition of Malaysia’s largest consumer travel fair will be held at Mitec on March 17-19 (Friday until Sunday), from 10am until 9pm with free admission. – Bernama, January 27, 2023
