KUALA LUMPUR: Perak will be Malaysia's Featured Destination for the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA)'s 52nd fair next month.
The association said that its hidden gems such as nature attractions, heritage, culture and local food will be showcased.
Its organising committee head Nigel Wong said at a press conference at MATTA's headquarters here Thursday (Feb 16) that the Fair will be held at all three floors of the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) on March 17-19.
"Tourism Perak will showcase their '12 Icons of Perak' as a collection of breathtaking natural features, grand vistas, and famous spots that visitors must not miss out on," he said, adding that Perak received 1.4 million domestic tourists in 2021 and aims to be the main domestic tourism destination this year.
The 12 icons or destinations that will be promoted includes seven waterfalls (Lata) in Selama, Royal Belum, Matang mangrove, Geopark Lembah Kinta and Lenggong, Taiping zoo and night safari, Menara Condong Teluk Intan, and others.
He said the size of this year's venue is three times bigger than its usual MATTA fair, with 37,000 sqm of space utilised for exhibitors from 210 participating organisations to present their offers.
"The 52nd MATTA fair will set a new record as the largest international travel fair in this region," he said.
He added that Tourism Perak will be setting up the largest booth at Hall 1 for the State Tourism Organisations, with 1,590 sqm of space.
"MATTA Fair's partnership with Tourism Perak will help attract more local and foreign tourists to the state," he said.
Tourism Perak Chief Operation Officer Zuraida Md Taib said the participation of Perak this time around is considered one of the preparations by the state of Perak to celebrate the Visit Perak Year 2024.
Zuraida added that this will further strengthen the Visit Ipoh Year 2023 by providing a promotion and marketing platform to approximately 95 players in the tourism industry in Perak.
She said the uniqueness and specialties found in the state of Perak will be highlighted through the promotion of handicraft products, food, small and medium industry products, art and culture, as well as tourism products and others.
A Malayan Tapir called 'Kopiro' (a combination of Kopi O and Tapir) will be the official tourism mascot.
Admission to the fair is free, and the event is open from 10am-9pm from Friday to Sunday.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport such as LRT as a free shuttle service is provided, with designated pick up and drop off points, especially within MITEC's vicinity, such as Sunway Putra Mall and KL Sentral.
Those interested can visit MATTA Fair's website and social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or subscribe to MATTA's Telegram cagannel @MATTAHQ got the latest updates.
