Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah Chapter is set to host its Matta Fair Sabah 2025, next month, targetting 150 booths, a major leap from last year’s 78 booths.
It will be held from May 9 to 11 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here.
Organising Chairman Rocky Kho said the event aims to promote Sabah’s tourism by offering more local travel option and attractive deals, not just for domestic, but also international tourists.
“This three-day travel fair will bring together irresistible travel, tour, flight and hospitality deals all under one roof and all unbeatable prices,” he said during a press conference held at SICC, Friday.
“Held under the theme ‘Bigger, Better, Bolder,’ we are expecting to draw 27,000 visitors and achieve RM26 million in sales.
Last year’s fair brought in 22,000 visitors and generated over RM21 million in travel sales.
“We are confident that this year’s fair will surpass expectations, as 130 booths have confirmed, twice as many compared to last year,” Rocky said.
The event will also see the participation of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) as the official airline partner, and RHB as the official bank partner, both contributing exclusive promotions and rewards for visitors.
Rocky also said Matta remains committed to boosting both domestic and inbound tourism, as key pillars of Malaysia’s economic growth.
“With Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) at the horizon and Matta as the strategic partner, our goal is to empower both consumers and our tour and travel members to enhance Sabah’s beauty, enforce exposure and opportunities needed to succeed in the global tourism landscape,” he said.
Meanwhile, Matta Honorary Secretary General Phua Tai Neng said the response from exhibitors had been overwhelming, reflecting strong interest from industry players.
Phua also thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KePKAS) and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) for their continuous support.
Minister of KePKAS Datuk Seri Christina Liew will officiate the opening ceremony.
“We are grateful to the KePKAS and STB for their support. Without them, we would not be able to host a fair of this scale,” Phua said.
He said the domestic tourism is still very strong, and Sabahans are actively looking for travel packages, especially for year-end holidays and New Year.
Visitors can also look forward to the Matta Fair Buyers’ Contest, where those who spend a minimum of RM100 stand a chance to win exciting travel prizes, including packages from MAG.
“To all the tourism players out there, come and be part of this. Let’s build Sabah as a must-visit destination. And to the public mark your calendars. Your next great journey starts at Matta Fair Sabah 2025,” Phua said.
For more information and updates, visit www.mattafair.org.my or follow Matta Fair Sabah on Facebook and Instagram.
