Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) is looking for a repeat sales performance of between RM15 and RM20 million for their coming Matta Fair Sabah on Dec 9-11 at Suria Sabah shopping mall.
“The earlier one held at ITCC Penampang in July this year, we managed to generate about RM15 million in sales because many people turned out following the removal of the Covid-19’s restrictions,” said Matta Sabah Honorary Secretary Alicia Gomes.
“Because of smaller booths this time, we will try to maintain the previous sales performance as we expect to attract a bigger crowd,” said Alicia at a press conference at Matta Secretariat in Damai Point here.
The Matta Fair Sabah is a calendar event for Matta and it is held twice annually in the middle and end of the year.
“This time it will feature 34 booths comprising travel agents and hoteliers,” said Matta Sabah Chairman Lawrence Chin.
The Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) airlines comprising Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Firefly and MASwings are coming on board to support the event.
“Air connectivity is the engine that drives tourism and travel agents, and tour operators provide the fuel that ignites our desire to travel.
“Matta believes the partnership and support from MAG will be a strong crowd puller to further boost the revival of the tourism industry and contribute to the growth of international and inbound tourism in our country,” said Chin who is the Organising Chairman.
There would be a wide variety of value-for-money domestic and international holiday packages in the offing including 35 per cent discount by MAS to Brisbane and Doha, among others, while MASwings is giving 40 per cent to all destinations on ATR 72 except Kuching and Mukah, he said.
To further enhance visitors’ experience, he said MAG airlines would be giving away 27 tickets for the Buyers’ Contest which include economy class return tickets for Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur; Kota Kinabalu-Kuala Lumpur-Saigon and Kota Kinabalu-Kuala Lumpur-Narita.
Meanwhile, Firefly and MASwings are offering eight pairs return tickets respectively to winners’ destinations of choice within their network such as Penang and Langkawi Island.
Malaysia Airlines Bhd Commercial Sales Executive Mahzan Mat Salleh said the travelling period for all destinations purchased during the Matta Fair is valid until Aug 31, 2023.
MASwings Head of Commercial, Chali Awang said they are still maintaining all the current routes but at the same time are mulling to operate from Kota Kinabalu to Layang-Layang Island.
“We are still working with the stakeholders especially the Transport Ministry to look into the viability of the operation probably we can start by March 2023.
“Layang-Layang operation is seasonal due to the monsoon season…this will be a new route for MASwings,” he said.
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