MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang (in red), Transport Minister Anthony Loke (centre), Tourism Malaysia domestic and events senior director Datuk Ammar A. Ghapar (red tie) together with members of the tourism industry tossing yee sang at MATTA's Chinese New Year celebration at PWTC on Feb 21.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) held a Chinese New Year celebration with over 300 members and guests from the tourism industry on Feb 21 at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Among the guests were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, officials from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Tourism Malaysia, delegates from foreign embassies as well as international tourism agencies, airlines, hoteliers and the media.
“We are grateful to the Transport Minister for addressing the issues of the travel and tour industry particularly on mounting extra flights during Chinese New Year and the upcoming Hari Raya holiday period to allow Malaysians to go back to their hometown and celebrate with family and loved ones," said MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
“The mounting of extra flights has resulted in more affordable and best value air fare for travellers during peak festive periods particularly between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.
"The additional flights to cater to the surge in demand for air travel during peak festive periods has benefited the growth of domestic tourism.
“The transportation of land, air and sea plays a crucial role for a healthy tourism industry and is necessary to ensure the growth of tourist arrivals and to stay competitive.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the Transport Ministry to facilitate the growth of the domestic tourism industry such as (tackling) touting issues at airports and taking responsive measures on airport operational issues raised by the industry.
"These include issues on tourist transport such as issuance and renewal of vehicle permits, enforcement on unlicensed transport operators and upgrading of vehicles to cater for high-end tourists.
“MATTA is optimistic that under the leadership of Minister Anthony Loke, the tourism industry in the country will continue to grow further with better tourist travelling conditions and transport facilities for domestic and international visitors,” Tan added.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
