KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sabah chapter is set to host its travel fair next month with a focus on domestic and rural tourism across the state.
The 25th edition of the Sabah MATTA Fair will take place from May 9 to 11 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here, occupying Kinabatangan Halls 2 and 3.
With 130 booths already confirmed and more expected, organisers are aiming for over 150 exhibitors, including those from Sabah’s lesser-known districts.
MATTA honorary treasurer Rocky Kho said this year’s focus is on rural attractions and giving local players a larger platform to reach potential travellers.
“Sabah is a large and beautiful state, and we believe even many locals have yet to explore much of what it offers.
"That is where the fair comes in, to highlight these hidden gems and encourage more domestic travel,” he told a press conference here on Friday (April 11).
He said the organising committee is offering a special booth rental rate of RM1,000, a 50% discount from previous fairs, for companies promoting domestic travel and rural tourism.
“This initiative is meant to ease the burden on local stakeholders and encourage participation, especially from areas like Sandakan, Tawau, or other smaller towns.
“If anyone is interested but finds the fee a challenge, talk to us. We will do our best to help through our network and support,” said Kho, who is also the organising chairman of the MATTA Fair Sabah 2025.
The event is expected to bring in around 27,000 visitors, up from 22,000 in April last year.
MATTA projects sales of RM26mil this year, from RM21mil previously.
“This momentum reflects the public’s eagerness to travel and the resilience of our tourism industry.
"MATTA remains committed to driving both domestic and inbound tourism as key pillars of Malaysia’s economic growth,” Kho added.
He noted that the fair has expanded, with the number of booths nearly doubling from past events.
“When the organising committee first met, the goal was clear – to make this year’s fair bigger than ever,” he said.
Visitors can also look forward to a buyers’ contest, where those who spend RM100 or more at the fair stand a chance to win prizes, including flight tickets courtesy of the Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG).
Tourism Malaysia is supporting the event by bringing in operators from Peninsular Malaysia to promote interstate travel.
Kho said the product range at the fair will expand by 30% to 40%, in response to the growing interest among Sabahans to explore both within and beyond the state.
“All participants are licensed travel agents registered with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. This ensures consumer safety, as all operators have been vetted to guarantee they’re genuine,” he said.
The fair is also supported by the Sabah Tourism Board and the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry.
The event is expected to be officially launched by state Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew on May 10.
Also present at the press conference were MATTA Sabah chapter chairman Mohd Azlan Saleh Abd Salam and MATTA honorary secretary-general Phua Tai Neng.
