Concluded fairs in JB and Kuching recorded increased sales

Show time: Cheah (left) and Hamzah presenting official MATTA Fair supplements to Star Publications' advertising account servicing manager, Kamariah Noor Omar.

KUALA LUMPUR: The tourism industry has not been affected by the disappearance of MH370, said the Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).

Addressing related enquiries at a press conference on the MATTA Fair that starts at the Putra World Trade Centre here today, its president Hamzah Rahmat said everything remains at status quo.

“We did not register any mass cancellation in terms of flight and visitor arrival.

“If there is such a thing, we would have found the KL International Airport empty,” said Hamzah, who countered that this may actually be the safest period to fly.

“With what has happened, I’m very sure that all airlines in the world would do whatever is necessary to enhance safety,” he said.

Hamzah also expressed confidence that the incident would not affect sales during the three-day event that ends on Sunday.

The recently concluded MATTA fairs in Johor Baru and Kuching saw an increase in the number of visitors and sales, he said.

Hamzah added that he was expecting the same for this weekend’s fair.

Though MAS is not an exhibitor this time, its presence can still be seen through the packages offered, he said.

“We pray and hope for the best for MH370. It is an unfortunate incident,” he said.

MATTA Fair March 2014 chairman Judy Cheah also extended the association’s “heartfelt concern and prayers” to the kin of MH370 passengers and crew.

A wall has been set up at PWTC for visitors, expected to exceed 100,000, to leave messages of hope for the missing flight.

On whether the current haze episode would affect tourism, Hamzah said it was a transient issue.

“It was not so bad a couple of days ago. It’s not a permanent feature, and it’s something we shouldn’t be bothered with too much.”

The fair will see 1,058 booths, with 467 exhibitors, occupying Halls 1, 1M, 2, 3 and Linkway of PWTC.

There will be hourly lucky draws and contests.

The the grand prize is two return business class tickets to London from Singapore Airlines.

For more info, visit www.mattafair.org.my.