(From left) Subramaniam, Wong, Mohd Salleh, Junaidi and Mohd Zaidy promoting Kedah’s charms. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
THE upcoming MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur will highlight attractions in Kedah.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong said the northern state had been named as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for the 56th edition of the travel fair set for April 18 to 20.
Wong described Kedah as rich in heritage with many stunning natural attractions just waiting to be discovered.
“There are the emerald-green padi fields in Kampung Sungai Pau, the breathtaking peaks of Gunung Jerai and the deep blue waters of Langkawi, among others,” he said at a press conference on the fair to be held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec).
Organisers are expecting 210,000 visitors to the fair themed “Experience Kedah”.
“We will have about 1,700 booths, 200 more than at last September’s fair.
“This means MATTA Fair is getting bigger and travel and tourism are very healthy in Malaysia,” Wong said, adding that more than 30% of transactions during MATTA fairs were from domestic tourism sales.
Kedah tourism, culture and entrepreneurship committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the state was proud of the recognition.
In conjunction with Visit Kedah Year 2025, 170 events including 45 major ones are being held throughout the state.
“Tourist arrivals to Kedah are also promising,” said Mohd Salleh.
Langkawi cable car with view of azure seas. — Filepic
“Langkawi received 300,000 visitors in January 2025 compared to 250,000 in the same month last year.
“The booking rate at 14 hotels in Langkawi registered with Malaysian Association of Hotels Kedah/Perlis also increased from 58.1% in January 2024 to 68.3% in January this year.”
Despite the upward trend, he said efforts to attract tourists would continue.
The state aims to elevate Langkawi as its tourism jewel, while doing more to promote mainland attractions.
“Initiatives are being carried out to tap into the tourism potential of the mainland.
“The focus will be on diverse offerings such as historical, cultural and agricultural attractions and gastronomic tourism.
“We believe Kedah will attract a lot more tourists this year and will be better prepared for Visit Malaysia 2026,” said Mohd Salleh.
Also present at the press conference were MATTA Kedah/Perlis chairman Subramaniam Punusamy, Kedah economic planning division director Junaidi Abdul Rani@Abdul Ghani and Kedah Tourism general manager Mohd Zaidy Omar.
MATTA Fair will open from 10am to 9pm. Free shuttles will be provided to and from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall in Kuala Lumpur.
On April 17, Mitec will host MATTA Connect to link international tourism players with local travel agents.
