By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 7: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sarawak Chapter has announced that the 17th Sarawak Matta Travel Fair is back on March 4 to 5 and will be held concurrently in Boulevard Shopping Mall, Kuching and Permaisuri Imperial City Mall, Miri.
Matta Sarawak Chapter chairman Oscar Choo said after a successful start last year, this year, Sarawak’s largest travel fair will see an increase to over 55 booths and is aimed at promoting both inbound and outbound tourism as Matta sees soaring demand for travel, regardless of leisure or business.
“The government’s initiatives to further increase the frequency of flights and to negotiate more direct flights will make it easier for holiday planners to link the globe.
“Sarawak’s Matta Fair will serve as a one-stop platform for consumers to easily choose their dream holiday destinations with the myriad of packages offered by our credible licensed tour operators.
“This will indeed give consumers peace of mind knowing that they are in good hands and their money well invested in a holiday handled by experienced tour operators,” he told a press conference at the Matta Sarawak Chapter office here today.
With Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) perseverance to work with Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) in ensuring the upgrading and maintenance of facilities at Kuching International Airport (KIA) and airports across Sarawak, Choo emphasised that this would provide travellers at both domestic and international gates a better arrival and departure experience.
At the upcoming Sarawak Matta Travel Fair, he said there will be an abundance of promotions from cruise packages, great airlines and accommodation deals, to short getaways to neighbouring countries within the South East Asian region and Oceanic.
For those opting for long haul travel such as to European and Western destinations, Choo advised that it is best to engage an experienced tour agency which will be able to deliver a seamless travel experience preparing travellers with constant updates on the current standard operating procedures (SOPs) needed before and during the holiday.
“The Sarawak Matta Fair is expected to foster and enhance networking, goodwill and fellowship among all in the travel trade and tourism industry. The fair will also once again provide a personal touch to real customer service with agents and consumers being able to seat down and plan.
“Matta is committed to making this event a great success in line with its role as a catalyst to steer the momentum of growth in the hospitality and tourism industry in Malaysia and to assist the government’s vision to create more job opportunities, expand market reach and generate more tourist arrivals,” he added.
Other than tour and travel packages offered, there will also be lucky draws sponsored by various participating organisations which will be announced in due time.
Admission to the Sarawak Matta Travel Fair is free, and it is open from 10am to 9pm over the two days.
Matta Sarawak Chapter vice chairperson Mok Venia and fair organising chairperson Jennifer Chai were among those present. — DayakDaily
