GEORGE TOWN: The two-day Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair Penang 2024 has opened its doors at Setia SPICE Arena here.
Featuring some 300 booths promoting international and domestic travel packages, the event includes various offerings from the travel industry including airlines, financial institutions, travel agents, hoteliers, associations, theme parks, wellness spas and other small businesses.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the event, said the influx of tourists is integral to the state's economy, providing employment opportunities, business ventures, and bolstering its overall economic growth.
"MATTA has played a pivotal role in promoting our country, particularly Penang, as a premier tourism destination.
"I am pleased to announce the maiden voyage of two prestigious cruise liners, Costa Deliziosa and Serenade of the Seas, each capable of accommodating up to 2,500 passengers.
"This significant milestone underscores the strategic importance of Penang's Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal and the allure of Penang as a tourism hub for Malaysia," he said.
Chow added that Penang's accessibility continues to expand, with direct flights from 15 international cities, including Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Acheh, Ho Chi Minh City, Doha, Haikou, and Shanghai.
"Penang boasts eight domestic flight routes, with 17 airlines operating direct flights, including Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Starlux, Xiamen Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Juneyao Airlines, among others.
"As a result, the airport has recently recorded a 5% increase in passengers movement from 313,000 to 328,000 from February to March this year," he added.
MATTA Penang chapter chairman Carolyn Leong said a sales revenue of RM40mil is expected at this year's fair compared to the RM33mil recorded last year.
"MATTA is committed to aligning with the aspirations of state tourism, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in promoting tourism and cultural enrichment.
"Each year, we strive to enhance our international participation by inviting more foreign embassies to showcase their cultural richness and new destinations at the fair. This serves as a dynamic platform
for cultural exchange and exploration of exciting travel opportunities.
"In introducing our esteemed travel exhibitors, we aim to enrich the fair experience by offering additional attractions and fostering closer connections between nations," she said.
The highlight of the travel fair will be the lucky draw prizes which will see visitors winning air tickets from flydubai, Xiamen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, China Airlines, Starlux Airlines, and Air Arabia to destinations like Dubai, Xiamen, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Visitors who buy any domestic packages by securing a RM300 deposit per person will stand a chance to take part in the lucky draw to win an air ticket to a domestic destination while anyone who buys an international holiday package with a deposit of RM1,000 will be eligible to win an air ticket to an international destination.
Besides air tickets, visitors who take part in the lucky draws also stand a chance to win hotel stays, staycations, tour vouchers and admission tickets
The fair, held today and tomorrow (April 27 and 28) will be open from 10am to 9pm.
Malaysia Airlines and Firefly is the official airline for the event offering lucky draw prizes to visitors.
