MATTA Fair Penang Targets 50,000 Visitors With RM30 Mln In Sales

GEORGE TOWN, April 9 (Bernama) -- The Penang edition of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair is targeting 50,000 visitors, with an estimated RM30 million in sales.

The event will be held at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) here on April 25-26.

Penang MATTA chapter chairman Carolyn Leong believes that the target is achievable, surpassing the nearly RM25 million recorded last year, driven by attractive travel packages and strong participation from airlines offering extensive promotions and competitive deals for both international and domestic destinations.

She said the increase in direct flights from Penang to destinations such as Qingdao, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shenzhen is expected to further boost travel demand.

“A total of 320 booths have been registered, with 90 exhibitors participating, comprising both international and domestic players showcasing a diverse range of travel products and services.

"Amid geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia, we will focus on alternative destinations, including Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, China, Japan and South Korea, as well as domestic travel in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) through Cuti-Cuti Malaysia packages,” she said at a press conference here today.

Also present were State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) Penang director Dr Annuar Mohamed.

In conjunction with VM2026, Carolyn noted that MATTA is encouraging greater participation from domestic travel agents to support local industry players and boost domestic tourism, while expressing appreciation to Tourism Malaysia Northern Region for its strong support, with 20 booths participating this year, thereby reflecting its continued commitment to promoting Malaysia as a preferred travel destination.

She said other state tourism organisations (STOs) joining the fair include the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Johor Tourism, further enhancing the diversity of offerings at MATTA Fair Penang 2026.

Meanwhile, Wong said this year’s MATTA Fair marks a defining chapter for Malaysia’s tourism sector, as VM2026 goes beyond a campaign to become a strategic national effort to increase international arrivals, strengthen domestic tourism, and showcase Malaysia’s rich diversity, culture and experiences, with Penang playing a critical role in this vision.

“As one of Malaysia’s most iconic destinations, Penang offers a unique blend of heritage, gastronomy, culture and modern lifestyle, making it a key driver in achieving our tourism targets,” he said.

-- BERNAMA